The Municipality of Plovdiv is about to implement one of its largest environmental projects in recent years - strengthening and socializing the Maritsa River Bed. The project is part of the Concept for Integrated Territorial Investments (KITI), for which Plovdiv is applying jointly with the Municipality of Haskovo. The total value of the entire project is 51 million leva, with nearly 12.2 million leva planned for Plovdiv, Trafficnews specifies.
The initiative has already successfully passed the first phase of approval and is aimed at preventing and managing the risk of floods along the river. In addition, the project aims to modernize the existing infrastructure along the banks, while making Maritsa more accessible and safer for Plovdiv residents.
The project includes:
- Maintenance and upgrading of the existing retaining walls along the left and right banks of Maritsa within the city;
- Construction and reinforcement of new earthen embankments with biological reinforcement – in key areas such as the area of the village of Orizari, at the confluence of the Dermendere River and near the Pyasachnik River;
- Upgrading of the existing protective embankment over the bridge on the Ring Road
- Restoration of compromised sections along the river's route – from the bridge on “Vasil Aprilov“ Blvd. to „Ruski“, across the pedestrian bridge, to the Panaira bridge and the area of „Adata“ island;
- Additional strengthening activities on the southern embankment – near the University of Food Technology and „Krayrechna“ street.
The project is structured so that first the necessary technical documentation is prepared, then a contractor is selected, the design, construction, as well as independent supervision are carried out.
„The Maritsa River is a priority for the Municipality of Plovdiv. It is important not only from the point of view of security and flood protection, but also for its improvement and socialization. Our team saw an opportunity to attract European funding and implement a project that is of key importance to the people of Plovdiv“, commented Deputy Mayor for European Policies Vladimir Temelkov.
Maritsa is an integral part of the appearance of Plovdiv and at the same time a natural and social resource for the city. It is an area for recreation, sports and walks, but at the same time it also hides risks if it is not adequately maintained. That is why such investments are decisive for the future of the urban environment.
This is not the first project of Plovdiv under the Concept for Integrated Territorial Investments. Most recently, together with the municipality of Gabrovo, the city won 2.2 million leva for the improvement of the southern bank of the Maritsa and the adjacent alleys.
With the new funding of nearly 12 million leva, efforts will be directed towards the overall strengthening and security of the river – a step that will allow it to become one of the most attractive areas for Plovdiv residents and guests of the city in the future.
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