Nearly 210 kilometers of waterways across Slovakia will be restored and made passable for aquatic life. Investments totaling almost €14 million for the Slovak Water Management Enterprise (SVP) were announced on Monday by Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba together with SVP Director General Jozef Moravčík. The information was provided by the communications department of the Slovak Ministry of Environment.
“A major improvement is coming for waterways across Slovakia through the removal of barriers that will enhance flood protection and, through the construction of functional fish passes, support the natural migration of fish and other aquatic organisms,” the ministry’s communications department stated.
Thanks to projects financed by European Union funds under the Slovakia Programme, water management authorities will construct new fish passages and improve river connectivity on sections of the Cirocha River, Žitava River, Turiec River, Hron River, Revúca River, as well as the Poprad River and weirs near the Nitra Water Reservoir. According to the Ministry of Environment, these investments will strengthen flood protection, improve water quality, and create better conditions for fish migration through the new fish passages.
“All of these projects represent a significant contribution to nature conservation, fisheries, and the sustainable use of watercourses,” explained SVP Director General Jozef Moravčík.
The ministry also highlighted the revitalization of 17 kilometers of the Morava River, which was completed by water management authorities 12 months ahead of schedule and at a cost €12 million lower than originally projected in June 2023. The Morava revitalization project was financed through Slovakia’s Recovery and Resilience Plan.
The Ministry described the project as an important step toward protecting and restoring Slovakia’s natural heritage, with the goal of improving biodiversity, enhancing water quality, and safeguarding valuable natural habitats in the region.
Water management workers completed the restoration of side channels of the Morava River, removed invasive vegetation and bank reinforcements, and in selected areas re-meandered the river to restore its natural course. Natural materials such as stone, wood, and tree trunks were used during the works.
“More than 130 people participated in the project, along with all available water management equipment, including excavators and trucks. In total, nearly 248,000 cubic meters of earth have been excavated,” Moravčík added.
Source: TASR
