The Ministry of Environment's plan concerning the expansion of EYDAP into new areas of the country is being broadened, as another 19 municipalities are coming into focus.
Within the framework of the National Water Strategy, the government's initial plan provided for the merger of EYDAP with 43 entities, aiming both at upgrading water supply and sewerage services, and at reducing water waste, so that management becomes more effective and, in the long term, operating costs are reduced.
According to sources, letters have been sent to an additional 19 municipalities, inviting them to join the absorption program. They have until October 31 to respond.
As part of the reform, EYDAP is also being assigned simultaneously, for the first time, responsibility for irrigation in the areas, so that there is integrated water management and economies of scale are achieved that will be beneficial for all users.
With the municipalities on the new list, EYDAP's geographical coverage is expanding even further, as the municipalities of Lamia, Nemea and Nafpaktia may likely join the program.
A Ministerial Decision is expected
The merger process will begin with the issuance of a Ministerial Decision. However, informally, the first contacts between EYDAP and the entities on the initial list have already begun, sources emphasize, adding that the Ministerial Decision is ready.
How the expansion will take place
This is a complex process concerning the providers' personnel, their assets and their debts.
According to the plan, which also concerns EYATH, EYDAP assumes all the assets and liabilities of the providers they absorb, with the exception of any legal and tax obligations relating to a period before the absorption.
It is emphasized that the state covers at least 75% of the debts of the DEYA utilities to electricity providers. To cover these needs, the Ministry of Environment and Energy states that a total of 200 million euros will be made available.
The 19 municipalities called to join the program:
- Municipality of Kythira
- Municipality of Poros
- Municipality of Spetses
- Municipality of Corinth
- Municipality of Hydra
- Municipality of Troizinia - Methana
- Municipality of Loutraki - Perachora - Agioi Theodoroi
- Municipality of Velo - Vocha
- Municipality of Sikyonion
- Municipality of Xylokastro - Evrostini
- Municipality of Nemea
- Municipality of Lamia
- Municipality of Kamena Vourla
- Municipality of Lokroi
- Municipality of Stylida
- Municipality of Makrakomi
- Municipality of Domokos
- Municipality of Amfikleia - Elateia
- Municipality of Nafpaktia