The Minister of the Environment visited Lake Yliki, where he toured the EYDAP floating pumping station. 

The projects implemented at Lake Yliki that contribute to irrigation of the Kopaidikos Plain were visited today by the Minister of Environment and Energy Mr. Stavros Papastavrou, together with the Regional Governor of Central Greece, Mr. Fani Spanos, the New Democracy Member of Parliament for Boeotia, Mr. Lefteris Ktistakis, the Deputy Regional Governor of Boeotia, Mr. George Dasiotis, the Mayors of Orchomenos, Mr. George Tzavaras , and Aliartos-Thespies, Mr. ⁠George Arapitsas, and the Chairman and CEO of EYDAP , Messrs. Georgios Stergiou and Charalambos Sachinis.

It should be noted that, following a request from the Region, from local communities and agricultural organizations, critical irrigation projects were implemented in collaboration with EYDAP—in a very short period of time—critical irrigation projects were implemented, including:

  1. The relocation of a floating pumping station belonging to EYDAP, with a capacity of 10,500 cubic meters water per hour, to the required operating location.
  2. The construction of the necessary onshore infrastructure to transport the pumped water to the irrigation network.
  3. 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 request of the Region, to find a solution to a complex problem: The irrigation of the Kopaidikos Plain. An issue exacerbated by climate change, the drop in the lake’s water level, and increased water demand.

EYDAP, drawing on its expertise and operational excellence, constructed the floating pumping station in just 40 days. Infrastructure and related projects 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, the government itself must first and foremost set the example. And that is exactly what we did. And 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 close and substantive cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and Energy, EYDAP, as well as with 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 farmers 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 dwindling water resources in a way that benefits the region’s residents and farmers, while also ensuring, through appropriate measures, an adequate water supply for the capital.”