It was signed today at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, a supplementary contract for the project “Construction of the Asopos N. Corinthian Dam”, in the presence of the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christou and the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Costa Tsiara.
The signing of the supplementary contract launches the preparation of the required studies on geotechnical failure in the overflow area, after extreme weather events that hit the dam construction area and had unexpected effects on the geological-crafts.
“The construction of the Asopos Corinth Dam is the most important water resource management project in the area, as it concerns the satisfaction of irrigation needs of about 65,000 acres,” said Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Dimas, adding: crops, by utilizing the endless physical potential of the area.
The barrier will have a direct positive effect on agricultural production, as well as other, indirect but great benefits:
· In the economic activity of the area
· In the value of agricultural land
; In the environment, and in general
· In the quality of life of the local population.
The signing of the supplementary contract starts the preparation of studies on geotechnical failure in the overflow area, which was caused by extreme weather events that hit the dam construction area.
The necessary studies, geological, geotechnical studies, field boreholes, evaluation and the final study of technical work require at least 4 months. A safe estimate to complete the construction requires an additional 18 months.
So today, there is an essential step in implementing a vital project for the primary sector in Corinth and beyond.
Because with the Asopos Dam, Greece will have another major infrastructure in the critical field of rational water resources, which is a key priority of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. “
For his part, Minister of Rural Development and Food Costas Tsiaras said that “the signing of the additional contract for the Asopos Dam is yet another step in support of the primary sector and sustainable management of water resources. It is a strategic project that ensures water for irrigation with modern and efficient methods, shields agricultural production from the impact of the climate crisis and protects the underground aquifer in the area.
We are here, – added – along with the relevant ministries, to serve the Greek farmer by plan and consistently, reinforcing infrastructure projects that create added value to the place and strengthen the agricultural economy. Our goal remains to form a durable primary sector that can meet the challenges of the time, sustain natural resources and provide stable income and perspective to the people of the countryside. With faith in the potential of the rural world, we continue with plan and determination. “
The Peloponnese Regional Governor, Dimitris Poor, noted that “the signing of the additional contract for the construction of the Asopos Dam is an important step in completing a strategic project for Corinth and the whole of the Peloponnese. It is a vital infrastructure that responds to chronic water and irrigation problems, enhances the resilience of the area to the climate crisis and contributes to rural and economic development. Asopos’ work is added to a wider network of large interventions that have already been activated in the Peloponnese, such as Peloponnese Kelefina, the Anavalos Water Network and Transfer Projects, as well as all irrigation projects, small and large, implemented in the Peloponnese Region.
With the cooperation of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and the contribution of the Minister Christos Dimas, the Minister of Rural Development and Food Costas Tsiaras, the executives of their Ministries and the Corinthian MPs, another crucial project takes the path of implementation. “
Present at the signing of the contract were also the Corinthian MP Marilena Soukoulis, the Peloponnese Regional Governor, Dimitris Poor, the Secretary General of Infrastructure, Dimitris Anagnopoulos and the Secretary General of the Union Resources and Infrastructure.
Technical elements of the project
The barrier on the river of Asopos Corinth, is constructed in the riverbed at a distance of 4 km NW of Stimaga and 2 km to Paradise. It is earthen, 68 meters high from natural soil and with its construction will create a reservoir with a total capacity of 29.10 million cubic meters, with a useful volume of water 25.60 million cubic meters. Includes the construction of a diversion tunnel, a tower of water, a removal, a basin of tranquility, the water pipeline, as well as the surveillance streets of the pipeline and the restoration of the access of Paradisi and Stimaga settlements.
Along with the construction of the project, the study of irrigation networks is being prepared, in order to make the project functional as a whole.
The additional contract of EUR 3.5 million was approved by the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport Technical Council and by the Court of Auditors.