The Ministry of Rural Development and Food has awarded a €106.4 million contract for the Irrigation Network of Yperia–Orfana, spanning the regional units of Larissa and Karditsa. The project aims to modernize and optimize water management across 67,800 acres of farmland, strengthening rural resilience and supporting sustainable agriculture.
The contract, signed on 31 July 2025, was secured by MC11 Construction and Management of Irrigation Network Yperias–Orphanon Special Purpose Société Anonyme, a joint venture formed by Metlen S.A. and Mesogeios S.A.. The consortium was selected through a competitive dialogue procedure, emerging as the top bidder out of two competing tenders. The awarded value stands at €106,396,000 (excluding VAT), just below the initial estimated budget of €107.2 million.
Integrated Irrigation System for Central Greece
The large-scale project, implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, encompasses the design, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of an integrated irrigation network system serving the lowland areas of Yperia, Orfana, Polyneri, Stavros, Katochori, Elliniko, and Vrysia. The system will draw from existing municipal and TOEB boreholes with a total capacity of 14,345 m³/h, ensuring efficient and reliable irrigation coverage.
Spanning 11 autonomous irrigation networks, the project includes:
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Construction of supply pipelines from boreholes to 11 balancing tanks
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Installation of 11 pumping stations and a complete pressurized distribution network
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Integration of advanced electromechanical systems and smart technologies, including sensors and automated circuit control to optimize water usage and reduce energy losses
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Underground, closed pipeline systems aligned with existing road infrastructure
The project duration is set at 300 months (25 years), covering both construction and operational phases. It will be co-financed through EU funds under the Partnership Agreement for the Development Framework, aligning with Greece’s national strategy for sustainable water management.
Strategic and Economic Significance
The Yperia-Orfana irrigation initiative is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity in Central Greece, where water scarcity and inefficient irrigation have long constrained crop yields. The introduction of digital monitoring and automation will not only conserve resources but also support the transition toward climate-resilient and precision agriculture.
The Ministry of Rural Development and Food, headquartered in Athens, oversees the project’s execution and funding. The Unified Public Procurement Authority will supervise compliance and review procedures under Directive 2014/24/EU.
Representatives from the winning consortium noted that the project “marks a milestone in the modernization of Greece’s agricultural water infrastructure and demonstrates the value of public-private collaboration in achieving long-term sustainability goals.”
As construction progresses, the irrigation network is expected to become a benchmark for smart water infrastructure in Southeast Europe, setting the stage for future PPP-driven rural development initiatives.
Tags: Greece contract award, irrigation works Greece, Yperia Orfana irrigation network, Ministry of Rural Development and Food, public–private partnership Greece, agricultural infrastructure, procurement news Greece, awarded tenders, EU-funded projects, sustainable agriculture, government contracts
