<MŽP> granted permission for the construction of a lock on the Baťa Canal in Bělov

Zlín - The Ministry of the Environment agrees with the construction of a navigation lock on the Baťa Canal in Bělov near Otrokovice in the Zlín Region. The spokesperson of the Directorate of Waterways of the Czech Republic (ŘVC), Václav Straka, informed ČTK about this yesterday. However, the position includes several conditions that the investor will now verify the possibility of fulfilling. The start date for construction remains uncertain due to the current economic situation.
    The ŘVC has gained a favorable opinion on the plan to build a navigation lock at the existing weir in Bělov near Otrokovice, to adjust the navigation channel, and to construct a new marina in Kroměříž after two years of preparatory work. "The navigation lock, which will be of a similar size to those already built on the Baťa Canal, would allow the northern part of the waterway from Otrokovice to Rohatec to be extended up to the city of Kroměříž," Straka explained.
    The Bělov weir currently divides the Baťa Canal, which is a popular waterway for tourists. The ŘVC hopes that the connection to Kroměříž will increase the attractiveness of the canal and improve conditions for utilizing its tourism potential. According to earlier statements by the investors' representatives, construction of the navigation lock in Bělov could start in 2012, with costs amounting to around 182 million crowns.
    "Essentially, these figures are valid, but they cannot be confirmed as definitive given how the state budget is being assembled," Straka added. The Baťa Canal is currently navigable from Otrokovice to Rohatec in Hodonín, covering a length of 53.5 kilometers. The ŘVC is also preparing to extend the route to Hodonín, which is complicated by unresolved property relations with Slovakia. "Then the Baťa Canal would be navigable from Kroměříž to Hodonín for a total length of 76 kilometers," Straka stated.
    The Baťa Canal is among the five most visited tourist destinations in eastern Moravia. Last year it recorded the most successful season in its history, with 70,000 tourists using it. However, this year the number was a quarter less due to flooding. On the other hand, interest in houseboats has increased, with 2,500 tourists spending more days on the waterway. The canal was created in the 1930s, primarily for the transportation of lignite from Ratíškovice to Otrokovice. The waterway partially follows the course of the Morava River.