The routing projects worth 2.5 billion euros that will move along seven axesin the context of the implementation of the water management plan so that the country is not faced with the risk water shortageannounced the Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrouin the presence of the prime minister Kyriakou Mitsotakisat an event of EYDAP for its 100 years of operation.

As clarified, water is and will remain a public good and it will remain the best quality water in Europe.

As the Minister of State announced, the big project is the Eurytos: the partial diversion of Krikeliotis and Karpenisiotis towards Evinos and will shield the Attica for the next 30 years.

In particular, as Mr. Papastavrou mentioned, today climate change is intensifying water scarcity while we are at one of the lowest points of water availability. The measures that are implemented directly in 7 axes of strategic action, and are harmonized with our European commitments. These are measures that protect the water supply for more than 50% of the country’s population and organize the water management landscape.

The plan

The great work is Eurytos: the partial diversion of Krikeliotis and Karpenisiotis towards Evinos. This work symbolizes good, unobstructed flow [Εὖ + ῥέω] and will shield Attica for the next 30 years. It is estimated that the completion of the “Erytos” Project will take place in the first half of 2029 – approximately 4 years from today – and 100 years after the completion of the Marathon Dam.

At the same time, EYDAP is running short-term actions, with the aim of the immediate water shielding of Attica: Among other things, it utilizes and activates boreholes in Mavrosouvala, Ugrous and Boiotik Kifissos with a total contribution of approximately 150 million cubic meters of water per year, once completed.

In case of need, according to Mr. Papastavrou, two important projects are also maturing in the medium term:

  • (a) The project of water lifting pipeline in the External Water Supply System (EPS) for interconnection with desalination and
  • (b) terrestrial Desalination: 87.5 million square meters/year.

At the same time, the Geographical Expansion of EYDAP and EYATH in irrigation in the geographical area of ​​their competence is foreseen, while he spoke of a reforming first step in housing 750 providers in a fragmented landscape.

According to Mr. Papastavrou, in order for these pillars to be strong, they need institutional support that includes:

  • Modernization of EYDAP and EYATH provisions, some of which have been in effect unchanged since 1980.
  • Labor and salary flexibility, which will unlock the dynamics of these companies, will attract new executives and will enable EYDAP to fully implement an ambitious investment plan of 2.5 billion.

At the same time, for its part, the Ministry of the Interior is proceeding to codify and improve the legislationwith the aim of consolidating the country’s 110 Public Water Supply and Sewerage Enterprises (PWAS) that are not absorbed by EYDAP/EYATH.

In total, as announced by the Ministry of the Interior, 151 projects with a budget of more than 320 million Euros are already being implemented in more than 40 islands to improve water supply and drainage. From the great project of Chrysiida in Corfu to the water supply of Heraklion, from the desalination in Kastelorizo ​​to the two desalination plants in Amorgos, the Ministry supports the problems facing our islands with direct projects.

The president of EYDAP, George Stergioumade a historical review, highlighting, among other things, the role of El. Venizelou, who with the collaboration of Ulen, created the first water network in the capital, but also of Constantinos Karamanlis, in whose days the integrated water management by EYDAP was put into practice. He also referred to the important contribution of Prime Ministers Constantinos Mitsotakis who managed the water shortage crisis at the beginning of the 90’s with complete success, as well as that of Kostas Simitis. Finally, he underlined the role of current Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, but also the contribution of the company’s human resources.

On his part, the Board of Directors of EYDAP, Haris Sahinisemphasized the role of EYDAP but also the value of the role of Evrytos, which will cost around 500 million, but zero operating costs. “We will not leave Athens without water”, said Mr. Sahinis characteristically, while he spoke of “Plan B”, with extensive desalination projects and pointed out the projects to reduce leaks in the capital, as well as to recover water. The most emblematic of all, he said, is Psittalia 3 and he added that already this year we have increased our investments sixfold with a twentyfold absorption of funds.

A characteristic moment of the event was the greeting from “himself”. Henry Ulenwho appeared to the public in 3D video, with the help of artificial intelligence.