Mr. Triantopoulos held talks with the Governor of Thessaly, Dimitris Kouretas, where he was briefed on the progress of restoration works, including river and stream cleaning and embankment repairs.
“I was informed by Mr. Kouretas on all issues concerning the region. The first interventions, which began last September, amounted to a 40 million euro package, while the second package concerns works totaling 42 million euros. As planning progresses, further major projects will be announced,” said Mr. Triantopoulos.
Flood Restoration Projects Begin, Valued at 42 Million Euros
Governor Kouretas outlined the three-part restoration plan, which includes mountainous water management projects overseen by the Ministry of Environment and Energy, major flood prevention works soon to be announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and other regional projects in Thessaly that are currently being tendered.
“I understand the public’s frustration as time has passed, but certain processes had to be followed. Many temporary repairs have been made, and now the permanent ones are starting,” said Mr. Kouretas, citing last week’s “Daniel” storm, which the region weathered for an hour without problems. He added that the projects will not only function as flood prevention but also help combat water shortages.
The Lake and Dead Fish in Pagasitikos Gulf
Regarding the dead fish in Pagasitikos Gulf, Mr. Kouretas explained that a sluice gate from Karla Lake, which was releasing water, was overwhelmed due to the floods. “The sluice gate had to remain open until the water transfer process was completed. However, given the situation, the Region of Thessaly will begin repairs.”
Mr. Kouretas also revealed that unknown individuals attempted to break the sluice gate, which could have caused renewed flooding in the Stefanevikeio area. The region is now moving forward with repairs to the Petra pumping station, which will ensure proper water transfer to the reservoir, maintaining balance.
Regarding the dead fish, the Governor noted that although the Port Authority of Volos is responsible, the Region will assist in collecting all the dead fish, which will be transported to a waste incineration facility.
“This will take time; it can’t be completed in half an hour. Just as pregnancy lasts nine months, though a woman might wish it could be over in a week, nature has its own rules. The water had to recede, the pumping station had to be repaired, and the sluice gate had to be closed to prevent further flooding,” Mr. Kouretas concluded.
