Greek Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou has signed a decision approving 16 projects, with a total budget of €16.618 million, aimed at tackling water shortages in Thessaly, Central Greece and Eastern Macedonia.

The decision was signed today at an event at the Ministry of Environment and Energy and concerns municipalities and municipal water supply and sewerage bodies in mainland Greece. The projects are being included in the ministry’s Sectoral Development Programme, under the “Drinking Water Supply and Water Management” axis and the programme “Drinking Water Supply and Water Management Interventions.”

The announcement follows last week’s decision to fund 10 projects in nine island municipalities, with a total budget of more than €15 million.

Reducing leaks and expanding supply networks

According to the Ministry of Environment and Energy, the new projects are expected to improve water supply conditions in the beneficiary municipalities by reducing losses from ageing infrastructure. In some areas, mayors attending the event said leaks can reach 60% to 70%.

The works include repairs and upgrades to old water supply networks, the expansion of water supply to new areas through the construction of additional infrastructure, and the creation of an undersea pipeline.

They also include new desalination units and supporting infrastructure in areas facing water shortages, as well as denitrification projects to improve drinking water quality.

Papastavrou: Water is a strategic public good

Speaking at the event, Mr Papastavrou said:

“Last week, as part of our effort to secure drinking water and manage water resources, we included 10 projects for nine island municipalities, with a total budget of around €15 million. Today, we are moving ahead with the inclusion of nine additional municipalities from Thessaly, Central Greece and Eastern Macedonia.

“These are essential projects involving the replacement or reinforcement of water supply networks, as well as desalination and denitrification works. They are part of a broader effort to address the major challenge of water scarcity.

“Water is a public good of strategic importance. Last week, the National Water Strategy was put out for public consultation. This is the first time our country has adopted a National Strategy that highlights the strategic importance of water.

“One thing is certain: in order to find solutions, local communities, elected MPs, regional authorities and the central administration must work together. Water is a public good that we must ensure is available to all citizens.”