Concerns grow over Bulgaria-to-Ardas River water supply – Agreement expected soon
Significant concerns have been raised in Northern Evros over the future of water supply from Bulgaria to the Ardas River, as the five-year bilateral agreement between Greece and Bulgaria nears its signing. The left-wing regional political group Laiki Syspirosi (People's Rally) voiced the apprehension of local farmers during the Regional Council meeting of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (AMTH).
Farmers left in the dark, says opposition
Dionysis Kladis, head of Laiki Syspirosi, criticized both the central and regional authorities for their lack of transparency. He emphasized that local farmers and agricultural associations have not been informed about the details of the deal. Furthermore, he accused the regional administration of failing to advocate for farmers’ needs and neglecting key infrastructure projects such as the Therapio and Kalyvas-Komaron dams.
Regional Governor responds
In response, Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis confirmed that water volumes have recently increased and reassured the council that the new agreement — though under central government jurisdiction — is close to being finalized. He also promised that water supply levels would remain consistent with previous years.
Regarding infrastructure, Governor Topsidis noted that a €300,000 study is underway to upgrade the long-neglected Thisavros Dam, which dates back to the 1960s. He also announced secured funding for improvements to pressure pipelines and basin systems, which are expected to begin after the September planting season. The total investment for these interventions is estimated at €20 million, to be included in next year’s regional program.
Incomplete projects raise further questions
Topsidis added that while construction of the Kalyvas-Komaron dam has been completed, the reservoir has not yet been filled. A recent meeting with technical services was held to prepare the dam for operational testing and eventual handover to the Evros regional technical directorate.
Opposition not reassured
In a follow-up statement, Kladis expressed greater concern than before, highlighting the administration's lack of knowledge regarding the agreement’s terms. He criticized the absence of concrete commitments for information sharing or problem resolution. Kladis concluded that “working-class farmers in Evros can expect no real solutions from the government or regional authority — only through their own struggle and pressure can they hope to see change.”
Source: Paratiritis News
