€400,000 Approved for Kassiopi Desalination Plant to Address Water Scarcity in Northern Corfu
Northern Corfu, June 20, 2026 – A crucial step towards resolving water supply challenges in Northern Corfu has been taken with the approval of €400,000 in funding for a new desalination unit in Kassiopi. The funding, signed by the Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, will finance the procurement and installation of a portable seawater desalination unit with a capacity of at least 600 cubic meters of potable water per day.
The project’s primary objective is to bolster the water supply for Kassiopi and the wider region, particularly during the summer months when demand significantly increases due to tourism. The initiative also includes the implementation of all necessary ancillary works and infrastructure to ensure the immediate and efficient operation of the new unit.
Systematic Efforts to Secure Water Resources
Stefanos Gikas, a key figure in the project, emphasized the importance of this development. “The issue of water sufficiency and quality is one of the biggest challenges facing Corfu, especially in areas with increased needs during the summer season,” Gikas stated. “For this reason, we are working systematically, in cooperation with the relevant Ministries and local government bodies, to secure funding and promote essential projects.”
Gikas highlighted that the allocation of €400,000 for the new desalination unit in Kassiopi is another step in this direction. He acknowledged the bureaucratic hurdles encountered during the project but affirmed that through persistence and close collaboration with the Ministries of Environment and Energy, and National Economy and Finance, these obstacles were overcome. “Soon, the citizens of the wider area will see the results,” he added.
Previous Investments and Future Plans
This funding follows a previous allocation of €260,000 last year from the Ministry of Shipping & Island Policy for water supply in the same area. Furthermore, it complements the €1,600,000 allocated for the replacement of sections of the water supply network in Central Corfu.
Gikas reaffirmed the ongoing commitment to improving local infrastructure and the quality of life for citizens. “We continue to work, utilizing every available funding tool and every opportunity given to us, to strengthen our local infrastructure and improve the quality of life of our fellow citizens,” he said. “We continue with a plan, consistency, and institutional collaborations, turning commitments into actions.”
Impact on Tourism and Local Community
The new desalination unit is expected to have a significant positive impact on both the local community and the tourism sector. Kassiopi, a popular tourist destination, often faces increased water demand during peak season, leading to potential shortages. The enhanced water supply will ensure a more stable and reliable service for residents and visitors alike, contributing to the region’s overall appeal and sustainability.
The project underscores the ongoing efforts by local and national authorities to address critical infrastructure needs and support the continued growth of Corfu’s tourism industry, while also ensuring the well-being of its permanent residents.
Source: kerkyrasimera.gr
