A lot of talk but very little action on flood protection work in Spilia
CORFU. Even this summer, no work is expected to be carried out despite the promises that the project would be executed during the winter.
For years, residents and businesses in Spilia have been witnesses to the same scenario whenever a moderate rainstorm occurs.
The storm last Monday, which flooded the entire area within a few minutes, once again revealed the serious issues that, despite being known to those in charge, have remained unresolved for decades, despite continuous promises of constructing flood prevention works to alleviate the situation.
The matter has been pending since 1997 when the construction of the marina in the Spilia area began, resulting in the blockage of the old conduits that directed water from the town to the sea. Since then, any brief rainfall plunges the area into chaos, with businesses trying to save their properties from the rushing waters, and residents and tourists attempting to find a way of escape.
Third construction site not possible
The flood prevention project, which is part of the contract awarded by the Ionian Islands Regional Administration for the completion of the Marina project in Spilia, has still not started, despite promises that it would be carried out during the winter. Although funding for the construction of the comprehensive conduit, which will redirect the rainwater from Spilia deep into the sea instead of the harbour basin, is secured from the total project budget of €9.7m, Enimerosi has reliable information that suggests that no work is expected to be carried out this summer.
The contractor's focus has been on the construction works at the old ticket booths and the port (extension of the leeward breakwater), with no possibility of establishing another construction site for the flood prevention project during this period.
It should be noted, however, that the overall intervention in the area, encompassing both the marina and the execution of the flood prevention project, has a strict completion and delivery deadline of December 31, 2023.
Otherwise, there will be a financial adjustment with an additional cost burden on the project as a whole, given the commitments from the European Union. It is worth mentioning that although the contract between the Ionian Islands Regional Administration and the contractor was signed on February 14, 2022, the project started with significant delays several months later.
1,200 drains cleared
Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands Mayor,, Meropi Ydraiou, told Enimerosi that DEYAK has done what is expected of it. "We see such phenomena happening in other cities that have more advanced systems," she said. "DEYAK brings a special machine from Patras every year to clean the 1,200 drains. This was done a few months ago. In this way, the water is absorbed within 10 minutes."
However, as knowledgeable individuals point out, the problem in Spilia is not related to the drains but dates back to 1997 with the first stones that were laid to construct the harbour dock, resulting in the rainwater outlets becoming blocked and the area flooding with almost every rainfall.
MARIA BAZDRIYIANNI
