The Ministry of Shipping and the General Secretariat for Aegean and Island Policy have moved forward with the implementation of water adequacy and desalination projects with an emphasis on the most remote and small islands. The program includes 103 interventions in 61 island municipalities (OTA) and DEYA, with funding of 9,073,448 million euros from the Public Investment Program, within the framework of the Special Action Plan for Water Scarcity for the year 2025.
Furthermore, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the General Secretariat for Environment and Water, additional funding of 20 million euros was approved for projects in areas with immediate needs.
Particularly critical is the simplification of the licensing of small desalination plants, with fast-track procedures. 35 new plants have already been licensed on more than 27 islands, significantly strengthening their water supply systems.
At the same time, the General Secretariat for Aegean and Island Policy provides technical support to small island municipalities and undertakes the tender procedures to avoid delays. For Megisti, Lipsi, Kimolos, the Diapontia Islands, Gavdos, Agios Efstratios and the Holy Monastery of Panormitis of Symi, it acts as the contracting authority, while it has financed the hiring of technical consultants in more than 15 municipalities for the completion of critical water supply projects.
Additionally, cooperation is underway with the Ministries of Environment and Energy, Interior and Economy and Finance, with the aim of preparing standard specification documents, establishing a unified costing for desalination projects and supporting vulnerable beneficiaries.
Finally, within the framework of the National Water Plan and under the coordination of the Deputy Prime Minister, Kostis Hatzidakis, the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy contributes its know-how and experience, so that insularity constitutes a stable criterion in the formulation of policies for the management of water resources.
It is noted that from 2019 to date, the Ministry and the General Secretariat for Aegean and Island Policy have funded more than 400 projects on 78 islands, with a total budget exceeding 60 million euros and with particular emphasis on the smallest and most remote areas.
The following is a statement by the Minister of Shipping and Insular Policy, Vasilis Kikilias:
“With speed, collaborations and targeted interventions, the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy is implementing a comprehensive plan aimed at the adequacy and quality of water on our islands. With the 103 actions taking place this year in 61 municipalities and the allocation of 9,073,448 million euros, we are improving water supply conditions, upgrading the quality of life of residents and supporting the island nature which is a comparative advantage of our country.”
The following is a statement by the Deputy Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Stefanos Ghikas (pictured above):*
“With continuous visits to our islands, in close contact with Members of Parliament, Local Government, Island Chambers, local bodies and local communities, we record the problems and try to provide reliable solutions, as is the case now with the issue of water scarcity. The services of our General Secretariat have mapped the needs of the islands – small and large – and with a multitude of interventions, which this year exceed 100, we are essentially helping our islanders. After all, the protection and further promotion of “Insularity” is a central political choice of our government.”
