A 20km-long flood dike on the Dráva River – complete with connecting infrastructure – has been built to protect residents and businesses in the area and help unleash the economic potential of Hungary’s South Transdanubia region.
- 12 January 2016
The success of this project was based on careful planning and expert work. Despite the challenges, the works were completed on schedule to a high quality, which was demonstrated during flooding on the River Drava in 2014. The construction of an asphalt layer on top of the flood dike has also created the possibility of developing cycling tourism in the region.
Constructed with support from the EU Cohesion Fund, the dam is situated on the left bank of the Dráva River and is managed by the South Transdanubia Environmental and Water Management Directorate. The completed project successfully proved its worth when the dam effectively contained the river during the floods of 2014.
Tapping the region’s potential
South Transdanubia is a relatively underdeveloped region of Hungary characterised by a low share of manufacturing and foreign direct investment. The share of agriculture is relatively high, contributing to 11.5 % of regional GDP (more than the double of the national average) while that of industry (22.6 %) is lower than the national average.
Nonetheless, the region boasts important cultural assets, some outstanding science centres and a number of accredited innovation cluster member companies. In order to attract further investment and create new business opportunities – such as tourism – it is important that adequate infrastructure is in place.
Construction of the dam
The construction of the dam relates to the Old Bay Project, a long term programme to enhance flood security in two notable flood bays (Drávaszabolcs and Kémes). This programme will ensure that flood security reaches the required standards in these two hot spots, providing reassurance to local communities.
The works also involved the reconstruction of certain buildings, the construction of fences and the installation of new sewage treatment facilities. A new flood protection warehouse was constructed on the site of the Drávaszabolcs Flood Protection Centre.
Sustainable benefits
The project works successfully eliminated a threatening shortfall in height at one point along the embankment and ensured that the dam would be sufficiently durable. The new embankment was also constructed with a paved crown, which will enable cyclists to take in the river view and encourage tourism to the area.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the “Drávaszabolcs-Kémes Bay Project” is EUR 10 400 000, of which with EU’s Cohesion Fund is contributing EUR 10 400 000 from the Operational Programme “Environment and Energy” for the 2007- 2013 programming period.