Flood prevention measures in Prague are delayed

Prague - The flood prevention measures being constructed in Prague are behind schedule. The city originally intended to complete the flood protection by the end of 2008. Although most barriers have already been built, some phases are likely to be completed only next year. Jiří Toman, the director of the city's investment department, told ČTK today. Prague had to wait for the approval of certain phases from the Ministry of Agriculture, and in Chuchle, it is fighting appeals from civic associations.
    The total cost of the flood prevention measures is estimated by the city to be 3.5 billion crowns, which will be shared between the capital city and the state. Due to the economic crisis, the city government decided in mid-June to take 300 million crowns from the flood prevention budget. However, according to the opposition, the city could have taken even more, as it received funds from the state. This should not reportedly have an effect on the construction of dikes.
    Prague began building flood barriers in 1997. They were originally designed for a hundred-year flood level, and their construction was divided into seven phases. After the experience with the major flood in 2002, which caused damages worth 27 billion crowns in the city, it was decided to raise the planned barriers by 30 centimeters above the level of that flood. Only in Zbraslav was the height of the barriers adjusted to the hundred-year flood level in agreement with the local authorities. Another phase was also added in Modřany.
    The flood barriers consist of mobile barriers, earth embankments, various walls and fences, pumping stations, and also modifications to the sewer system. Even after their completion, there will be individual houses or entire neighborhoods in Prague that will remain between the river and the barriers. This includes Lahovice and Lahovičky, Sedlec, and some buildings, for example, in Zbraslav, Radotín, and Malá Strana.
    The capital is currently building flood dikes in Zbraslav, and Toman estimates their completion there by the end of June next year. Measures in Troja are also expected to be completed in spring 2010.
    It is still unclear when people in Chuchle will be protected against major floods. "We are currently fighting with appeals from civic associations," Toman said. He expects that the barriers will be built there by the end of next year.
    Remaining will be Dolní Černošice. "Here, it is not possible to build earthen dikes or mobile barriers," Toman noted. According to him, it is necessary to modify the weir on the Berounka River, and a detour road must also be constructed that will simultaneously serve as flood protection. However, Prague needs to reach an agreement on local measures with the Central Bohemian Region and the Vltava River Basin Authority.
    In northern and central Moravia, catastrophic floods on Wednesday and Thursday claimed 11 victims. This morning, the first 200 soldiers with equipment arrived in the most severely affected municipality in the country, Jeseník nad Odrou in the Nový Jičín area, to help remove the damage. However, people are anxiously looking up at the sky, as further rain is expected.