Drainage Development in Western Transdanubia from EU Funding13 May 2010
Rainwater drainage problems, which have been an acute problem for many years, will also be resolved in several settlements in the Western Transdanubian region within the framework of the New Hungary Development Plan. The assistance contract underpinning the construction of the entire rainwater pipeline network has just been signed in the settlement of Gyenesdiás, and the reconstruction and development of the 2260-metre-long rainwater pipeline network has just been completed in the town of Bük.
From May 2009, settlements had the opportunity to apply for funding for drainage developments within the framework of the Regional Operational Programme, for which a framework amounting to 12.54 billion HUF was allocated. Both the number of applications and the funding applied for were extremely high and reached, or in many regions even exceeded the funding applied for within the framework of the Action Plan for 2007-2008. At present, drainage projects will be implemented in the municipal and outer area of 139 settlements within the framework of this scheme. So far, the total NHDP funding awarded amounts to over a total of 27.5 billion HUF, the total cost of which investments amounts to approximately 31 billion HUF. The main aim of this intervention relates to reducing risks associated with flood, inland water and local water damage; preserving the quality of subsurface waters and preventing further damage to the environment.
Gyenesdiás is a settlement situated on the shore of Lake Balaton, where rainwater has been causing acute problems due to the settlement’s location and topography. The aim of this project is to construct a rainwater drainage system in this basin, since safe drainage is only ensured in 5% of this area in relation to the entire drainage network to be constructed.
This project, which will be implemented from EU funding amounting to around 160 million HUF, affects the municipal area of the town, which is largely a residential zone with houses. The area in which the project that is about to be launched will be implemented qualifies as a highly sensitive area in terms of the state of sub-surface waters. No kind of drainage network whatsoever exists in this area; rainwater is not channelled, but instead simply spills into public areas, streets or roadside ditches. The aim of this project is to construct an entire rainwater drainage pipeline network along Lőtéri Street, Fenyves Street, Cseresznyés Street, Meleghegyi Street, Faludi Street, Diótörő Street, Bem Street and Darnay Street. 185 properties are indirectly affected in the area where this project will be implemented.
Bük may thank its development and urban growth to the thermal water discovered at the boundaries of the settlement and the thermal spa complex using this water. This immediately created a demand for the construction of residential and holiday houses, as well as guest houses. The dilapidated and clogged pipes of the pipeline network and silted ditches detrimentally influenced the expedient and unperturbed channelling of the water accumulating. The aim the new rainwater drainage system that has been completed is to increase the town’s competitiveness, retain and even increase its population, help attract people to move to this town and improve the feeling of comfort of the population. The immediate aim of this project is to prevent rainwater from causing further damage and resolving safe drainage in the areas affected in the long run.
A 2260-metre-long rainwater pipeline network will be reconstructed and developed as the outcome of the project to be implemented from EU funding amounting to over 80 million HUF.
Map presenting the distribution and amount of funding per region of projects awarded funding for implementing municipal drainage projects
