Marking one year since the enactment of Law 5094/2024 on March 13, 2024, which incorporated eight university departments in the cities of Didymoteicho, Drama, and Kavala into Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH), the university’s Rector, Fotis Maris, announced the steps taken to maintain, upgrade, and modernize the educational and student welfare infrastructure inherited by the institution.

Specifically, according to the Rector’s report, several projects have been put up for tender, including renovation and modernization of buildings and infrastructure at Kavala Campus (€2.5 million), Drama Campus (€500,000), and Didymoteicho Campus (€280,000). A €1 million project for equipment procurement and digital infrastructure upgrades at the Kavala, Drama, and Didymoteicho campuses. A €1.5 million contract signed for the energy upgrade of the library building at Kavala Campus. Introduction of 24/7 security with controlled access at Kavala Campus starting next academic year (funded by the university’s regular budget). Maintenance and repair work on the three student dormitory buildings at Kavala Campus (€74,000), with a comprehensive renovation study underway.

Additionally, DUTH has submitted a funding proposal under the Integrated Spatial Investment Plan (ISI) for the renovation and modernization of the Elatia Drama Residential Complex (€1.7 million). Requested a 30-year lease from the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family Affairs for the PIKPA children’s camps in Potamia, Thasos, to create a university summer camp. Requested a 25-year lease from the Ministry of Rural Development and Food for the Tobacco Institute building complex and its surroundings in Drama, to meet the educational, research, and administrative needs of the Viticulture and Oenology Department.

Detailed Breakdown of the 10 Projects

Renovation and modernization of Kavala Campus facilities (€2.5 million). Funded by The National Development Program of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports. Scope of work includes waterproofing, thermal insulation, office and department restructuring, electrical upgrades, exterior and interior painting, and repair of internal roadways and parking areas. Restoration work is expected to begin by the end of summer.

Renovation and modernization of Drama Campus facilities (€500,000). Funded by The National Development Program of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports. Work includes waterproofing, reconstruction of internal walls to redesign laboratory spaces, replacement of external doors and windows, repair of water, heating, and cooling systems, replacement of outdated radiators and air-conditioning units, electrical, plumbing, and sewage system repairs, wall coatings, and full interior and exterior painting for aesthetic improvement. Work is expected to start by the end of summer.

New technical project tender for the renovation and modernization of DUTH facilities in Didymoteicho (€280,000). Funded by The National Development Program of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports. Work includes waterproofing repairs, maintenance and improvement of electrical, water, and sewage networks, heating and cooling system repairs, replacement of outdated radiators and air-conditioning units, roof construction, installation of drywall and suspended ceilings, wall coatings, interior and exterior painting, and replacement of a worn staircase.

Procurement of equipment and digital infrastructure upgrades at Kavala, Drama, and Didymoteicho campuses (€1 million). Funded by The National Development Program of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports. This project aims to support the digital transition of academic departments and services. The bidding process is already underway.

Energy upgrade of the library building at Kavala Campus (€1.5 million). Funded by The Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. Work includes window replacements, thermal insulation for the building shell, waterproofing and insulation for the roof, and heating system upgrades. The building includes a library storage area, classrooms, a reading room, computer labs, and administrative offices. The contract will be signed in the coming days, and the contractor is set to begin work immediately after Easter.

Implementation of security and controlled access at Kavala and Drama campuses. Funded by the university’s regular budget. From September 2025, for the first time in years, both campuses will have 24/7 security with controlled access.

Inclusion in the new Sectoral Development Program (SDP) for university infrastructure maintenance and small-scale repair projects for 2025-2026 (€74,400). This project covers maintenance and repairs of the student dormitories at Kavala Campus. The goal is to address urgent maintenance needs and small-scale repairs for the three dormitory buildings in 2025 and 2026. By June 2025, a comprehensive renovation study for the three dormitory buildings, with a total capacity of 230 rooms, will be completed. Funding for the project, including new equipment, will be sourced from the same financial instrument.

Funding proposal submitted under the Integrated Spatial Investment Plan (ISI) for the renovation and modernization of the Elatia Drama Residential Complex (€1.7 million). The project involves a full-scale renovation of the residential complex, including building upgrades and modernization of electromechanical installations. The goal is to enhance the infrastructure for educational and recreational activities, improve public amenities, and showcase the unique identity of the Rhodope Mountain Range (Fraktos Forest) while promoting sustainable tourism through environmental protection and networking initiatives.

Lease request submitted to Minister Sofia Zacharaki of the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family Affairs for a 30-year usage agreement for the PIKPA children’s camps in Potamia, Thasos. The aim is to develop a modern university campus that, following renovations and upgrades, will host innovative educational and social programs across academic departments (environmental studies, pedagogy, social work, psychology, physical education, etc.), benefiting both the academic community and society at the local and regional levels.

Lease request submitted to Minister Konstantinos Tsiaras of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food for a 25-year usage agreement for the Tobacco Institute building complex and surrounding area in Drama. The space will be used to meet the educational, research, and administrative needs of the Department of Viticulture and Oenology. The response was immediate, and close collaboration is ongoing.