The tender for the Nestorio Dam in Kastoria is expected to be launched in the very near future, as announced by Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Dimas during his visit to the Regional Unit of Kastoria, as part of the government’s tour of Western Macedonia. The meetings focused on major infrastructure, irrigation, and education projects which, according to the government, will strengthen the local economy and create new development opportunities for the region. During a meeting at the Kastoria Regional Authority with local government representatives, the progress of ongoing and upcoming projects in the area was reviewed, along with the ministry’s next planned interventions.
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Nestorio Dam: Tender process enters final stretch
Particular emphasis was placed on completing the tendering process for the Nestorio Dam and its associated works, which, according to the minister, is expected very soon. Also discussed was the progress of the feasibility study for the Nestorio irrigation network, as well as the significant advances recorded in the construction of the Germa irrigation network. Christos Dimas described the dam as a project of strategic importance, noting that it carries a budget of €59.25 million, will irrigate approximately 70,000 stremmata of agricultural land, and will support more than 5,000 farmers, boosting the primary sector and the economic development of Kastoria. He also noted that the irrigation network study will enable the full utilization of the dam’s reservoir, contributing to better water resource management and increased agricultural productivity.
Interventions in irrigation and education
The minister also referred to the progress of the Germa irrigation network, a modern closed-pipe system that will serve approximately 3,200 stremmata, contributing to water conservation and improved irrigation conditions. As part of his visit, Christos Dimas also stopped at the Kastoria Vocational High School (EPAL), where he was briefed on the progress of renovation works being carried out through the “Marietta Giannakou” programme.
The interventions include a full renovation of sanitary facilities, restoration of the roof and exterior paintwork, creation of accessibility infrastructure for people with disabilities, reconstruction of sports facilities, and modernization of electromechanical installations — all with the aim of creating a safe and modern school environment. During his visit to Kastoria, the minister also held a courtesy meeting with His Eminence Metropolitan of Kastoria Kallinikos, as well as with Kastoria Mayor Ioannis Korentsidis. Also participating in the meetings were Deputy Minister of Development Lazaros Tsavdaridis, Kastoria MP Maria Antoniou, and Special Secretary for Hydraulic Works and Buildings Charalampos Migdalis.
In his statements following the conclusion of the visit, Christos Dimas emphasized that, following the completion of the E65 motorway, the government continues to invest in projects that strengthen production, education, and citizens’ quality of life, stressing that modern infrastructure forms part of a comprehensive development plan for Western Macedonia and the country as a whole.
