A large-scale operation to clean all the paved sections of the Kifissos River is being launched by the Attica Region, removing tons of debris and waste, so that with the full release of the cross-section there will be an unimpeded flow of stormwater. The operation is expected to be completed by the end of October and is part of the region’s effort to improve the protection of citizens from flooding.

The covered parts of the Kifissos River occupy 8.6 kilometers (out of the total 27 km length of the river), having been a source of significant problems at times, due to the chronic accumulation of debris in them.

It should be noted that the clean-up is being carried out for the first time in many decades and under extremely difficult conditions. The absence of adequate ventilation and lighting makes it imperative to use generators and floodlights and special personal protective equipment due to the presence of an abundance of insects. Also, use of crawler machines to access the interior of the pipeline due to the bourky substrate as well as hydraulic hammers to break up large sections of concrete that have fallen from the roof and side walls.

The main problem, however, within the closed section of the pipeline, lies in the presence of high water levels. It is typical that during the autopsy carried out in early August, starting from Agia Annis Street (at the height of the area of Agios Ioannis Renti), access became prohibitive after two kilometers, as the water level reached 80 centimeters.

As stated by Attica’s regional governor, Nikos Hardalias: “The decision to proceed with the cleaning of the paved sections of the Kifissos River after several years of being left without any maintenance was not only necessary, but also required by the responsibility we bear towards the citizens and the environment. The situation in which these sections were in was dangerous and required immediate action, especially in view of the challenges posed by climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.

The Region of Attica is committed to continuing to undertake initiatives that protect public health and the environment. With this operation, we are not only preventing the risk of flooding, but we are actively demonstrating our commitment to improving the quality of life for the residents of the basin. Modern Attica requires infrastructure that works and ensures the well-being of all of us.”

The project to clean the Kifissos riverbed and in particular the paved parts of the river has a total budget of 1,242,987 euros.

The covered sections of the river, starting from the Faliro bay to the edges of the Penteli and Parnitha mountain ranges, include the following sections:

– from the Faliro bay (opposite Poseidon Avenue) to the height of the road Bizanios in the Municipality of Moschato – Tavros (length 1.5 km),

– from Agia Anna Street in the Municipality of Nikaia-Agios Ioannis Renti to the junction of Perissou and Pappa Streets in the Municipality of Nea Filadelfia-Nea Chalkidona (length 7,3 km),

– from the height of Odyssea Androutsou Street to the height of Lesvos Street in the Municipality of Nea Philadelphia-Nea Chalkidona (length 0,15 km).

This operation is part of a wider planning of the Region of Attica for the upgrading of all important water resources and infrastructure of the basin, with the aim of strengthening flood protection and ensuring a sustainable future for all residents, the region notes.