The Hungarian News Agency reported that a project for the development of water infrastructure has been launched in the Tisza Valley with a HUF5.6 billion of non-refundable grant from the European Union and Hungary. the investment is expected to be completed by the end of November 2023 and will contribute to increasing flood safety in the region.
István Láng, the Director General of the General Directorate of Water Management, said that in the last twenty to twenty-five years record broke for both flood levels and drought. According to estimates, this year’s drought damage to the Hungarian economy is HUF1,300-1,600 bn (≈ €3.16-3.89 bn), but the water needs could be serviced.
Mr. Láng recalled that after the drought of 1935, the damage was worth HUF2,500 bn (≈ €6.8 bn) at today’s prices, after which the development of irrigation also began in the Great Plain. He also explained that the annual drought damage is about HUF400 bn (≈ €974 m) on average, the large flood damage is about HUF50 bn (≈ €122 m), whilst damage caused by inland water damage is between HUF20-30 bn (≈ €49-73 m). Last year, drought mitigation was successful, and this year it had to be applied, as additional pumping had to be ordered in many places in order to meet water needs.
Mr. Attila Lovas, Director of the Mid-Tisza Area’s Directorate of Water Management, has explained that 48 km will be developed by improving the strength and load-bearing capacity of the flood protection embankment.
Among many other activities new safety centres and warehouses for storing machinery will be built, while safety centres from 50-60 years ago and a pump station will be reconstructed, including the substitution of it diesel engine with an electric one.
The project also includes the renovation and reconstruction of the Tiszaliget Flood Protection Centre, built in the 1970s on the territory of the Kötivizig Szolnok Specialist Measurement Centre to accommodate professionals involved in the project.
The project also includes the renovation and reconstruction of the Tiszaliget Flood Protection Centre, built in the 1970s on the territory of the Kötivizig Szolnok Specialist Measurement Centre to accommodate professionals involved in the project..
