Heraklion: Studies on the Ladukos Dam Advance

The studies on Ladukos are rapidly progressing, as emerged from the information meeting held by the Mayor of Heraklion Alexis Kalokerinos with executives of the Organization for Development of Crete, in the presence of the Deputy Mayors of Technical Works George Sisamakis and Municipal Police, Decentralization and Rural Development Manolis Hairetis… During the meeting, the Director of Hydraulic Works of the O.A.C. Manolis Pentheroudakis informed the mayor that, despite the complexity of the flood and irrigation project, the preparation of the required studies is at an advanced stage, so that, when the relevant invitation is issued by the Ministry of Rural Development, the dossier that will be submitted for approval and funding will be complete. In particular, the initial 2018 study has already been updated and the 2 km long coastal road study has been completed and the completion of the supplementary studies is expected. Mayor of Heraklion Alexis Kalokerinos, expressing his satisfaction, stated: “After our previous talks with O.A.K. And in accordance with the timetable we set, we proceed to complete the dossier. We are at a very good point with the completion of the studies and it has become a very good scholarly work, which mainly concerns the irrigation dimension that the dam will have. The dossier will be ready shortly from now and our goal is to propose and join the projects funded by the Rural Development Programme with the care of the Ministry of Development and Food, according to the announcement made by Minister Lefteris Avgenakis from this office, for the will to build the project. On the occasion given to me, I would like to thank once again the Minister for Rural Development and Food Lefteris Aggenakis, who has shown a very lively and practical interest in the project, as well as the regional manager of Crete Stavros Arnautakis and the services of the Region of Crete for their assistance in the study of the project, and also the general support they provide to the Municipality of Heraklion.” During the meeting, detailed technical details concerning studies, as well as wider planning were analysed to shape the area and the irrigation needs were discussed. A special mention was made on all sides of the importance of the proper execution and completion of the project, and the signing of the relevant programme contract between the Municipality of Heraklion and the OAK was agreed in the following period. It is noted that the Ladukos dam is part of the wider objective of the Municipal Authority of Heraklion for the strong development of rural areas and settlements. This is an important project, which strengthens flood protection and contributes to crop irrigation. At the same time, it is the first of a series of similar projects that the municipal authority seeks to do and which will have a very important consequence in limiting the coastal zones of the rivers and delimiting them, so that the city building of the entire area of western Heraklion can proceed. An area facing the consequences of the lack of city plan, poor infrastructure networks and also risks of civil protection.