Funding for water supply coming drop by drop

The phrase "keep your expectations low" fits perfectly with the promises Corfu received from government officials during yesterday's teleconference on the island’s water supply issues. Although, rather than in a bucket, the situation resembles more closely carrying water in a sieve, given how the network behaves in many areas, losing everything painstakingly sourced from the springs. And when the emergency time frame for taking urgent measures is set at around 100 days before the start of the tourist season, it becomes clear there’s no time to waste.

Corfu’s expectation from the government, according to Central Corfu mayor, Stefanos Poulimenos, is to secure funding within this timeframe of €3 to €5 million for new boreholes, desalination rentals, and essential interventions on the most vulnerable parts of the network. And here, one doesn’t know where to start! Should priority be given to the network in Gouvia, which constantly ruptures, or to the one in Chrysiida?

Speaking of which, a borehole drilled successfully yesterday in Kakkotrofo, Gouvia, yielded about 100 cubic metres per hour. Similarly, a supplemental borehole in Chrysiida was also successful, and two more will be attempted near old, disused boreholes. If last year’s shortfall in rainfall and snowfall isn’t repeated and if major losses are reduced, there’s hope that at least next summer we won’t face the torment of water rationing.

The government, however, seems determined to push forward with the unification of the DEYA (Municipal Water and Sewerage Utilities) despite opposition from top local government union organisations, as well as local resistance from the four municipalities of Corfu and Paxos. Similar reactions are seen across the country, especially in regions where water supply and infrastructure, as in Corfu, are complex.

Stefanos Poulimenos has even sent a letter to the Ministry of Environment describing Corfu’s system of over 100 water supply facilities and the corresponding multiple networks, which cannot be managed remotely. For now, however, the Ministry remains silent, and the submission dates for the draft bill keep getting postponed, with no sign of its appearance.

GIORGOS KATSAITIS

Photo: From the video the mayor posted on his social media page, referencing the successful borehole drilling in Kakkotrofo, Gouvia, which yields 100 cubic metres per hour.