The Sofia Municipality has launched the implementation of a long-awaited project for the reconstruction of the “Ivanyane-2” dam. The facility, located between the Filipovtsi quarter (the “Lyulin” district) and the village of Ivanyane (the “Bankya” district), is of great importance for the safety of people and the protection of the urban environment. The project is fully financed by the budget of the Sofia Municipality with a value of 743,810.00 leva including VAT.
The major renovation is not just a construction project, but a long-term investment in the security of citizens, the protection of nature and adaptation to climate change. The dam is classified as a low-risk facility, but its current condition (a semi-destroyed spillway, a compromised dam wall, a silted reservoir and a non-functioning spillway) creates a real risk of flooding, which requires urgent measures.
What does the reconstruction project include?
In order to restore the functionality of the dam and ensure its safety, the following activities are planned:
Re-slope the dam wall with the construction of sustainable slopes, which will be grassed for erosion protection.
Construction of a new spillway, rapid flow and energy damper, which will ensure a controlled and safe flow of water.
Complete reconstruction of the main spillway to be able to regulate the water level in the dam.
Removal of the old emergency canal.
Installation of a control and measuring system that will monitor the condition of the dam.
The project was developed by professional teams, which guarantees the sustainability and safety of the facility and is in accordance with all national and European regulations. Detailed hydraulic and static models were used to ensure that the technical solutions are optimal. The use of high-quality materials, restoration of the watertightness of the wall and cleaning of waste are envisaged, while preserving the natural habitats in the area. The deadline for the implementation of all activities is 175 working days from the date of opening the construction site.
Sofia is committed to the maintenance of a total of 10 dams, which are used primarily for recreational fishing and recreation. Two of them - in the Seslavtsi and Kremikovtsi neighborhoods, have been decommissioned, which means that there is no water in them, but the state has not yet officially confirmed their liquidation, despite the insistent attempts of the Sofia Municipality to start such a procedure. Sofia Municipality takes care of the remaining 8 dams by maintaining the slopes of the dam walls, carrying out ongoing repair work and cleaning the riverbeds up to 500 m. after the spillway facilities.
Restoration of the “Ivanyane-2“ dam is part of the overall vision of the Sofia Municipality for responsible management of water resources. They are a key step towards a safer, greener and more sustainable Sofia, which places both people and nature at the center of urban planning.
The large-scale cleaning of Sofia's rivers also continues.
Meanwhile, the Sofia Municipality continues actively and at an accelerated pace the implementation of its riverbed cleaning program. The project, which started on July 4, covers 71 km of rivers and ravines in the city's urbanized areas and aims to prevent floods and improve the urban environment. Through accelerated administrative processes and work on several sites in parallel, the municipality aims to complete the planned activities by the end of November, ensuring greater safety and security for the residents of Sofia.
