Hot topic of water supply discussed at Municipal Council Accountability meeting

The issue of Corfu's water supply was brought up by Giorgos Karydis, head of the Kerkyraiki Symmahia party, at the 17th session of the Central Corfu Municipal Council, which is a special accountability session. The president of DEYA, A. Mazis, was called to provide answers to the questions raised. Regarding each issue, he stated the following:

15 million-euro debt to DEI

Mr. Mazis began by referring to DEYA's debt to DEI, which amounts to 15 million euros, while a decision from the Supreme Court is awaited regarding an additional 6 million.

DEYA is in contact with DEI to find common ground to service the debts. A proposal was made to pay off the debt in 100 installments while simultaneously servicing the current dues. However, he added that the unreliable practices followed by DEYA in the previous period are not helping.

No alternatives to Chrysiida

The main issue, according to Mr. Mazis, is the Chrysiida pumping station. As he said, "The town's water supply has greatly improved. We inherited hundreds of damages. Today, we supply water normally to Corfu and the suburbs. If there is no problem with water scarcity, the situation will improve even more, even if consumption increases.

We have proceeded with updating the study. We obtained approval from the Works Council and are ready to auction the study for the replacement of the Chrysiida-Analipsi pipeline (4.5 km), Analipsi-Hospital (the main supply pipeline for the town and suburbs) (11.5 km), and a new 4,500 cubic metre reservoir in Analipsi. The current reservoir is 3,000 cubic metres, a reservoir from the 1960s. We also need to examine whether the reservoir in Koules, Potamos (10,000 cubic metres) will be constructed and whether the dam projects will proceed."

According to the president of DEYA, "The biggest problem that may arise in Corfu is a problem at the Chrysiida pumping station. There are no alternatives; we cannot simply change a pump.

At this time, what we can do is prepare the study. Because we cannot intervene and stop the supply. A repair / reconstruction of the pumping station would leave us without water for 6-7 days.

We are taking emergency actions to get through the summer and proceed with the project for which the study has been prepared."

The hidden damages

He also mentioned the actions being taken to address hidden damages, including the procurement of electronic flow meters for easier detection of damages, the auctioning of the complete reconstruction of the leak control centre, and the installation of 20 recorders at key points in the network to detect leaks. Finally, a mobile electronic flow meter has been ordered to measure the flow of water from the pipelines without the need for cutting them off.

The water supply network of Parelia, which is included in the Antonis Tritsis funding programme, it is expected to be completed by 31/12/2024.

The work on the replacement of the Afra water supply network has been proceeding normally since August 2023, after a stoppage in the first quarter of 2024.

Regarding the wastewater treatment plant for Corfu Town, he stated that the facilities are in very good condition. However, he said that 266,352 euros are needed annually for maintenance. The goal is for the plant to operate with DEYAK personnel after hiring, which would cost half as much.

Regarding the wastewater treatment plants of Agios Markos and Kinopiastes, the projects have been included in the Recovery Fund since 13/04/23. The total amount of funding is 17,784,757 euros. A tender has been conducted, contracts have been signed, and the projects are progressing and being executed normally.

Additionally, for the Benitses wastewater treatment plant, Mr. Mazis said that it is operating satisfactorily but needs improvements. A permit must be granted in agreement with the Ministry of Culture to build a new pumping station. A legal solution must be found for the outlet pipeline to pass through the Benitses stream.

He concluded his statement by stating that a 60,000-euro auction is being held to reinforce sewer maintenance crews for pipeline and manhole unclogging, and a 30,000-euro online tender is being held for a study to clean the manholes in the municipal unit of Corfu.

VASSILIS PANTAZOPOULOS

Photo: Enimerosi