Water scarcity: These are the 10 projects on 9 islands that will be funded with 15 million euros
In a decisive move to strengthen water supply on the Greek islands, the Ministry of Environment and Energy (YPEN) proceeded with the signing of a decision to include nine island municipalities in a special funding program for the provision of drinking water and water management. The program, signed by Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou, provides for the allocation of funds exceeding 15 million euros for the implementation of ten targeted projects. These interventions aim at drastically reducing leaks through the upgrade of aging networks, extending water supply to new areas, and installing modern desalination units to address severe water scarcity phenomena.
Geographic distribution of projects and local interventions
The funding is distributed across five different island regions of the country, covering immediate infrastructure needs:
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Cyclades: The focus is on improving existing water supply networks on Naxos and constructing a new, modern water reservoir on Amorgos.
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Dodecanese: The plan includes the installation of desalination units on Astypalaia, repair and expansion of water supply networks on Rhodes, as well as the installation of desalination units along with necessary supporting works on Leros.
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Sporades: Interventions concern the upgrade of the network on Skopelos and the implementation of ancillary works for desalination on Alonnisos.
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Ionian Islands: On Zakynthos, the installation of a new drinking water treatment plant is underway.
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Crete: The program includes a full upgrade of water supply networks in the Viannos area.
Collective mobilization and YPEN's strategy
The significance of the project was reflected in the massive participation of political and local government officials in the signing ceremony. The event was attended by Minister of Maritime Affairs and Island Policy Vassilis Kikilias, South Aegean Regional Governor Giorgos Hatzimarkos, a number of New Democracy MPs from the respective regions, as well as the mayors of the beneficiary islands, some of whom participated via teleconference.
In his statements, Mr. Papastavrou made clear that this decision is not an isolated move but part of a broader, coherent policy for the responsible management of the country's water resources. As he emphasized, this initiative is directly linked to the National Water Strategy, which has already been put to public consultation, as well as the upcoming bill aimed at reorganizing and reducing the fragmentation of water service providers. Concluding, the minister pointed out that the government is demonstrating tangible support for the regions, turning promises into concrete projects that improve the daily lives of islanders.
