Funding will be provided through Sectoral Programme resources, with completion of the works scheduled for early 2028. The project is regarded as critically important for flood protection in the Northern Athens Sector, as the Sapphous stream functions as a primary stormwater outlet for Marousi and neighboring municipalities, including Penteli, Kifissia, Nea Filadelfeia–Nea Chalkidona, and Filothei–Psychiko. It is worth recalling that in July 2018 the stream overflowed, resulting in extensive flooding in Marousi and significant material damage.
High-Level Meeting on the Project
On the occasion of the tender launch, a high-level meeting took place between the Alternate Minister of National Economy and Finance, Nikos Papathanasis, the Governor of Attica, Nikos Hardalias, and the Mayor of Marousi, Theodoros Abatzoglou. During the meeting, the strategic importance of the project for public safety and the protection of property was strongly emphasized.
The project’s preparation began in 2016 with the initial technical study commissioned by the Municipality of Marousi. However, this was followed by a prolonged period of delays and outstanding technical issues. A decisive breakthrough came with the project’s inclusion in the “Environment and Climate Change” Programme, under the operational programme YMEPERAA (Transport Infrastructure, Environment and Sustainable Development), approved in June 2024.
Scope of the Interventions
The works cover a 4.16-kilometer stretch, extending from the boundaries of the Municipalities of Marousi and Kifissia to the entrance of the conduit crossing the Attiki Odos motorway.
The project includes:
- Expropriations and archaeological monitoring
- Stream regulation works and relocation of utility networks
- Management of excavation and demolition waste
- Construction of retaining structures and installation of safety barriers
- Adjustment of the outfalls of existing stormwater drainage networks
According to the Region of Attica, the project forms part of a broader flood protection strategy encompassing 54 projects scheduled for implementation by 2028.
Statements on Funding and Flood Protection
The Governor of Attica, Nikos Hardalias, described the development as “the definitive resolution of a decades-long pending issue,” stressing that the project reflects a commitment to prevention and responsibility toward citizens.
Nikos Papathanasis noted that the tendering process exemplifies the effective use of European and national resources through transparent procedures and clearly defined timelines.
The Mayor of Marousi, Theodoros Abatzoglou, characterized the launch of the tender as a “landmark development” for the city, underlining that the project will substantially strengthen flood protection in areas facing chronic challenges, including Nea Lesvos, Karpathika, Ipeirotika, Dodoni, Neo Marousi, Soros, the Workers’ Housing area, and Agios Thomas.
According to the authorities involved, the initiation of the process marks a critical infrastructure investment with significant developmental and social impact for the Northern Athens Sector, at a time when climate adaptation has become a central priority of public policy and sustainable urban planning.