Corfu, February 21 – The Ionian Islands Regional Governor, Giannis Trepekli, has taken a decisive step to address the critical water supply issue in Corfu. In a letter sent to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Friday, February 20, 2026, Trepekli requested the immediate completion of funding for the Desalination/Softening Unit project in Chrysiida, Corfu. The letter, co-signed by productive and tourism bodies of the island, highlights the unity and urgency surrounding this vital project, which affects the daily lives of citizens, public health, the local economy, and the sustainable development of Corfu.
Crucial Funding for Water Security
As the Regional Governor emphasized, a detailed and documented request for the remaining funding of the project was submitted in June 2025. The Ministry of Environment has already committed 5 million euros, and the Region of Ionian Islands, despite having no institutional obligation, is contributing an additional 5 to 6 million euros. The appeal to the Prime Minister is for the Ministry of Finance to cover the remaining necessary funding, allowing the immediate commencement of a project described as a “survival condition for Corfu.”
The proposed Desalination Unit is designed to produce 15,000 cubic meters of water daily, offering a substantial solution to the persistent problem of water scarcity, which intensifies during the summer months due to increased tourist traffic. This initiative underscores the Regional Governor’s commitment to mobilizing institutions and social partners, presenting concrete proposals with secured resources, and urging the central administration to fulfill its responsibility by completing the funding chain for a project of strategic importance.
Development Hinges on Water Availability
“Corfu cannot talk about development and tourism added value when every summer citizens and visitors face water supply problems. Development without water does not exist. Ensuring sufficient and quality water is a prerequisite for sustainable progress and social cohesion,” Giannis Trepekli emphatically stated. The Region of Ionian Islands makes it clear that the Chrysiida project is a critical pillar of resilience against climatic pressure, increasing demand, and the long-standing weaknesses of the water supply system.
Through this initiative, the Regional Governor sends a clear message of responsibility and determination: the Region is doing more than its institutional share, and now the State must rise to the occasion, so that Corfu acquires the infrastructure commensurate with its size, dynamism, contribution to the national GDP, and its international radiance.
Background and Impact
The issue of water supply has been a recurring challenge for Corfu, particularly during peak tourist season. The island’s growing popularity as a tourist destination puts immense pressure on its existing infrastructure. The proposed desalination unit is expected to alleviate these pressures significantly, ensuring a stable and reliable water source for both residents and visitors. This project is seen as essential for the long-term economic and social well-being of Corfu.
The collective support from local productive and tourism bodies underscores the widespread recognition of the project’s importance. Their co-signing of the letter to the Prime Minister signifies a unified front in advocating for this critical infrastructure investment. The project’s completion is anticipated to not only solve immediate water supply problems but also to foster sustainable growth and enhance the overall quality of life on the island.
The Regional Governor’s proactive approach in securing initial funding and galvanizing local support demonstrates a strong commitment to addressing the region’s challenges. The focus now shifts to the central government, with the hope that the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Finance will respond positively to the urgent call for the remaining funds, paving the way for the swift implementation of the Chrysiida Desalination Unit.
