(Summary of the government spokesman's press conference)
October 15, 2003
The government decided to develop further the first phase of the Vásárhelyi Plan. As part of the largest regional development program in eastern Hungary, six flood-reducing reservoirs will be built along the upper and middle stretches of the River Tisza until 2007. The program reflects a new governmental approach: the interests of environment protection and nature conservation will be taken into account to the highest possible extent. The first phase of the Vásárhelyi Plan will cost HUF 130 billion, half of which will be spent on flood prevention, the other half on regional development. The government intends to ensure 25 percent of the total costs from EU funds. The government also decided that the Ministry of Agriculture and Regional Development should work out the regulations on the utilization of the properties concerned by a deadline of November 30, 2003.
When realized, the first phase of the Vásárhelyi Plan will provide safety to one and a half million people.
Between 1998 and 2002 there were four floods of record proportions on the Tisza. The government spent HUF 120 billion on flood protection, reconstruction and compensation over a period of four years.
The program, which will further develop the system designed and realized by Pál Vásárhelyi - the legendary engineer of the reform period in the 19th century, diverts excess water to one part of the flood area. A number of ministries and scientific research institutions are co-operating in the realization of the decade's largest investment along the Tisza. An ecological survey of the parts of the Tisza affected has been completed in line with the EU's "General Directive on Water". The works will be coupled with an integrated concept of regional development. As part of the open planning process, engineers and local communities discussed the plans in village fora; as a result, the reservoirs will be built where local people also want them.
Important infrastructural developments - drainage, sewage treatment, forestation, the building of cycle tracks - and investment in area management - irrigation or the creation of mosaic landscapes - are connected to the comprehensive program. The government is of the view that the further development of the Vásárhelyi Plan will assist in establishing a new, integrated model of regional development in which the interests of environment protection and nature conservation are fully taken into account.
The program is proceeding according to schedule. In 2003, places of ecological or archeological value were mapped and the Strategic Environment Examination was completed in line with the EU standard.
In 2004 the environmental impact studies and the licensing plans will be completed and the area and regional development program will be worked out in detail. As soon as the contractors have been selected by public procurement proceedings, the construction of the first reservoirs can begin.
The government also worked out the basic principles of providing land for the reservoirs. The aim is that in these flood-reducing properties, farming could go on undisturbed in floodless years. If someone does not want to take up this opportunity, the National Land Fund will buy the property at current market price or will offer another property in exchange. Expropriation will only take place if neither of the above is accepted. Landowners are entitled to a one-time sum of compensation when they place their properties at the state's disposal and also to full compensation when, in time of a flood, their properties are used.
The ministries concerned will complete the preparation of the second phase by June 30, 2003.