MoU for TIF flood protection

EYATH signed the Memorandum of Cooperation with TIF-Helexpo and the Region of Central Macedonia today, with the aim of redesigning (relocating-resizing) the two closed pipelines of the combined sewerage network that pass through the TIF plot, as well as the separation the rainwater to wastewater, so that the “new” TIF that will result from the renovation is completely shielded against climate change and any extreme weather phenomena.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the administration offices of the national exhibition body by the CEO of TIF-Helexpo, Kyriakos Pozrikidis, the CEO of EYATH, Anthimos Amanatidis, and the Deputy Regional Director of Infrastructure and Networks of the Regional TIF-Helexpo and EYATH, Tasos Tzikas and Agis Papadopoulos respectively, the general manager of TIF-Helexpo, Alexis Tsaxirlis and the director of Strategic Planning, Projects and Development of EYATH, Alexandros Mende.

The existing combined sewerage network of the two closed pipelines that pass through the plot of TIF-Helexpo transports rainwater and dirt from the upstream surfaces of the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Center and presents various problems from time to time. In addition to the age (the construction of the network dates back to the ’30s-’40s) and the possible reduction of the cross-sections of the pipelines, the intense weather phenomena that are more and more frequent due to climate change, create intense flood conditions. On the occasion of the new design of the renovation of the exhibition center, but also with the aim of protecting Thessaloniki and the property of its citizens, the need arises to relocate the network in conjunction with its re-dimensioning, according to the latest weather data, as well as the separation of networks into rainwater and sewage.

The first phase of the cooperation envisages a preliminary study, which will include, among other things, inspections of existing infrastructure, study of two new rain gutters with a total length of approximately 1,000 m, study of sewage pipes inside and outside the Exhibition plot, as well as adequacy control of the existing Palais des Sports rainwater drain. The second phase will include the final design and construction of the planned projects.

EYATH, as responsible for the operation and maintenance of the combined sewerage network of Thessaloniki, will undertake the preparation of the studies of the first phase. The Region of Central Macedonia, as the body responsible for flood protection, intends to undertake the financing of the total cost that will arise for the preparation of these studies, as well as the relevant fee of EYATH (for research, supervision, maturation, approval and receipt), while TIF-Helexpo will assist with the means at its disposal in the elaboration of the studies of the first phase. For the second phase of implementation of the project will follow further specialization, with a new agreement between the three parties.

“TIF has begun its journey towards a new chapter in its history, led by the renovation of its exhibition center, which dictates a series of general upgrades of its infrastructure. In this direction, and on the occasion of the ongoing renovation, we are moving forward in cooperation with the Region of Central Macedonia and EYATH to shield the new TIF in the face of climate change and extreme weather phenomena “, said the CEO of TIF-HELEXPO, Kiriakos Pozrikidis , during the signing of the memorandum.

“The issue of the resilience of Thessaloniki and in general of our Urban Complex in the face of pressures of the climate crisis is very high on the agenda of our strategic planning. The upgrade of the network within the TIF, in view of its regeneration and delivery to our fellow citizens, is part of our commitment to sustainable infrastructure and our responsibility to the local community. So we will be happy to cooperate with TIF-Helexpo and the Region, in order to deliver to the city a modern exhibition space, which will be adjacent to the new ‘green’ building of EYATH and the campus of AUTh, giving added value to this area “, pointed out for his part the CEO of EYATH, Anthimos Amanatidis.

The Vice-Regional Minister of Infrastructure and Networks of the Region of Central Macedonia, Paris Billias, noted: “We have gladly accepted the proposal to help TIF-HELEXPO for the upgrade of the new exhibition center and at the same time, with this Memorandum, we shield the center of Thessaloniki from flooding”.

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