The Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, visited the projects completed at Lake Yliki—which contribute to the irrigation of the Kopaidikos Plain—today, along with the Regional Governor of Central Greece, Fani Spanos, New Democracy MP for Boeotia Lefteris Ktistakis, Deputy Regional Governor of Boeotia Giorgos Dasiotis, the mayors of Orchomenos, Giorgos Tzavaras, and Aliartos-Thespies, George Arapitsas, and the Chairman and CEO of EYDAP, Georgios Stergiou and Charalambos Sachinis.
It should be noted that, following a request from the Region, local communities, and agricultural organizations, critical irrigation projects were implemented in collaboration with EYDAP—in a very short period of time—including:
The relocation of an EYDAP floating pumping station, with a capacity of 10,500 cubic meters of water per hour, to the required operating location.
The construction of the necessary onshore infrastructure to transport the pumped water to the irrigation network.
The execution of supplementary technical works to support the system.
Today, the project is operating normally and yielding particularly positive results, ensuring the smooth progress of the irrigation season.
Mr. Papastavrou stated: “We are at Lake Yliki with the Regional Governor of Central Greece, Fani Spanos; the Member of Parliament for Boeotia, Lefteris Ktistakis; the two local mayors; and the president and CEO of EYDAP. We all worked together, at the region’s request, to find a solution to a complex problem: the irrigation of the Kopaidikos Plain. This issue has been exacerbated by climate change, the drop in the lake’s water level, and increased water demand. EYDAP, drawing on its expertise and operational excellence, built the floating pumping station in just 40 days.
Infrastructure projects and related works have been carried out to ensure that farmers will face no problems during the upcoming season. Because when you ask citizens to be responsible and consistent regarding water use, the government itself must first and foremost set the example. And that is exactly what we did. It proves that when the state, the region, local government as a whole, and EYDAP work together, we can find quick and responsible solutions before a problem arises. The Kopaidiko Plain has been secured. This is a significant solution.”
For his part, Mr. Spanos noted: “The minister’s visit to Yliki today is yet another concrete demonstration of the government’s sincere interest in addressing issues related to the irrigation of the Kopaidiko Plain and supporting the primary sector. From the very beginning, we have developed a close and substantive collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Energy, EYDAP, and the farmers of the Kopaida Plain themselves.
Together, we have managed to address the challenges posed by the drought. The government, the regional authorities, and the producers are continuing to work systematically and responsibly to provide solutions and ensure the smooth progress of the irrigation season.”
On behalf of EYDAP, Mr. Stergiou stated: “Kopaida is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country. EYDAP, drawing on the expertise and experience of its staff, is both willing and able—as demonstrated by its recent intervention—to make a substantial contribution to ensuring the smooth operation of its irrigation system.
Under the coordination of the Ministry of Environment and Energy and in collaboration with the Region of Central Greece, the municipalities of Boeotia, and local communities, we have launched a collective effort to manage the challenges posed by the climate crisis and reduced water resources in a way that benefits the region’s residents and farmers, while at the same time ensuring, through appropriate measures, an adequate water supply for the capital.”