Parliament is voting today on the Environment Ministry’s water management bill, which expands the responsibilities of EYDAP and EYATH amid opposition from political parties, municipalities and environmental organisations.
Among other provisions, the bill provides for the merger of 68 local water providers and their absorption by the two major utilities, with the aim of reducing waste and addressing water scarcity as part of a national water strategy. At present, more than 735 different bodies are responsible for water supply, sewerage and irrigation services.
At present, more than 735 different bodies are responsible for water supply, sewerage and irrigation services.
The reform also includes the final settlement of €200 million in debts owed by the municipal water and sewerage companies being absorbed to energy service providers, a measure that was recently enacted into law.
Opposition parties and civil society groups calling for water to remain under public management accuse the government of using the bill to pave the way for higher tariffs. In particular, the Initiative for Safeguarding the Public Management of Water, which organised a protest outside Parliament yesterday during the debate on the bill, has expressed concern that the legislation will lead to the “aggressive entry of major private interests into the management of the water cycle,” while stressing that water “belongs to society.”
Sources: The Press Project , Skai.gr
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