Row over water intensifying in North Corfu too

New tensions have arisen over the project to transfer surplus water from Klimatia to Nissaki, with the Municipality of North Corfu alleging that, despite the court ruling in favor of the municipal administration and the recent Municipal Council decision supporting the continuation of the project, there have once again been incidents of obstruction of the works and damage to the pipeline.

The issue was discussed at the Municipal Council meeting of 16 June, where the views of Klimatia residents were presented, along with their concerns about water availability and the legal arguments that have been raised against the project. The municipal administration stressed that water is a public good and that the use of surplus water resources is being carried out in accordance with the law and in the interest of the wider community.

The Municipal Council acknowledged the residents’ concerns regarding the safeguarding of their area's water supply as reasonable. Nevertheless, it approved the continuation of the extension of the water distribution network to Nissaki, adopting the relevant decision of the DEYA North Corfu. According to the decision, the project serves the public interest, strengthens water supply in areas with increased demand, and contributes to fire protection measures.

At the same time, assurances were given that Klimatia would retain absolute priority in meeting its own water needs. As clarified, only a portion of the surplus water—up to one quarter of the available excess quantity—will be transferred to Nissaki, and only after the adequacy of supply for Klimatia residents has been fully secured. The decision also provides for continuous monitoring of water reserves and water levels within the system.

However, just a few hours after the decision was adopted, the municipal administration reported that a municipal and DEYA North Corfu work crew that had travelled to the area to carry out water supply and fire protection works was subjected to intimidation, verbal abuse, and threats, while the execution of the works was obstructed. In addition, according to the Municipality, further interference with and damage to the project pipeline was discovered.

The municipal administration stressed that it respects the right of citizens to disagree and to pursue their demands, but made clear that obstruction of public utility projects, damage to municipal property, and attacks against workers cannot be tolerated.

In its statement, the Municipality of North Corfu pointed out that the climate crisis, prolonged droughts, and growing demand make cooperation and the rational management of water resources essential. It also noted that ten communities within the municipality are already supplying water to other areas. At the same time, it reaffirmed its commitment to continuing dialogue with local communities while defending, through all lawful means, the completion of the project, the safety of workers, and the right of all residents to an adequate water supply and effective fire protection.

GIORGOS KATSAITIS