Twenty contracts have been signed for implementing projects funded by the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) aimed at reconstructing state-owned polder pump stations, restoring state protective dikes, and rehabilitating state-level watercourses. These projects are essential in reducing flood risks in the country and adapting to climate change. Projects will ensure the water drainage and stability of polder pumping stations, the resilience of protective dikes, and the restoration of state watercourses to their original parameters.
The signed agreements stipulate the reconstruction and restoration of all state drainage systems by June 30th, 2026. The contracts were signed by the state-owned company “Zemkopības ministrijas nekustamie īpašumi” (ZMNI), who responsible for the construction, maintenance, and operation of state drainage systems and state drainage facilities, and the Rural Support Service (LAD), which oversees project implementation.
As of December 1st, 2024, ZMNI has signed 15 contracts for construction work on four pumping stations, 10 protective dikes, and one state-level watercourse. The projects are located in the municipalities of Dienvidkurzeme, Talsi, Ventspils, Marupe, Ogre, Ropazi, Jelgava, Rezekne, Līvāni, and Madona. Construction work is currently underway at these sites.
The most intensive work is being carried out on the Bernāti Polder Protective Dike D-1 in iīca and Otanki Parishes of Dienvidkurzeme Municipality (Bernati D-1 Protective Dike) and the Vārpa Polder Protective Dike D-1 in Līvbērze Parish of Jelgava Municipality (Varpa D-1 Protective Dike).
The Bernati D-1 Protective Dike is part of the Barta River basin. Its primary function is to protect the 1191 hectare area of Bernati Polder, established in 1959, from spring floods, storm surges, and rain-induced flooding. The restoration of the 5347 meter-long protective dike will enhance its stability and reduce flood impact on the surrounding area. Construction began in July 2024 and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025. Current work includes clearing vegetation, building up the dike, and installing woven metal fencing on the dike slopes to protect against animals and to stabilize the slopes. The total project cost is 1,1 million euros, including 0,9 million euros from the RRF and 0,2 million euros from the state budget.
The Vārpa D-1 Protective Dike is part of the Lielupe River basin. Its main role is to protect the 774 hectare area of Varpa Polder, established in 1978, from flooding. The dike is 8624 meters long, and its restoration will ensure stability and reduce the flood impact on the surrounding area. Construction work began in September 2024 and is also scheduled to be finished by the end of 2025. Completed tasks include clearing vegetation and reinforcing the dike body with metal fencing on its slopes. Ongoing work involves building up the dike, with future plans to restore road surfaces, ramps, slopes, and culverts. The total project cost is 0,6 million euros, including 0,5 million euros from the RRF and 0,1 million euros from the state budget.
Procurement procedures are ongoing for construction and construction supervision in the rest of the five locations.
In total, flood prevention measures will be carried out at 21 state drainage system sites, including eight pump stations, 12 protective dikes, and one canal. All planned reconstruction and restoration work on state-level flood prevention sites must be completed by the end of June 2026. The total allocated budget is 32,9 million euros from the RRF and 6,9 million from the Latvian state budget. All work will be executed by ZMNI.
For more information, visit the Ministry of Agriculture's website.
