Work starts on massive freshwater network to defend Neretva Delta

Neretva

ZAGREB, 31 May (Hina) – Work has officially begun in Opuzen on the second phase of a major infrastructure project aimed at preventing seawater intrusion into agricultural land in the Lower Neretva Valley and protecting soil and water from salinisation.

The overall project is worth €85.5 million, with the second phase valued at €55.5 million (including VAT).

It includes the construction of a pumping station and a distribution system for freshwater, according to the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition.

The first phase delivered a mobile barrier on the Neretva River, a ship lock, a fish pass and related infrastructure.

The second phase continues the system’s development, including a water intake in the Mala Neretva, the Opuzen pumping station, the Lađište small-scale water storage basin and more than 119 kilometres of pressurised distribution pipelines. Completion is planned within four years.

Officials said the project will provide freshwater irrigation for around 2,000 hectares of farmland and significantly reduce the impact of salinisation, which threatens one of Croatia’s most climate-sensitive regions.

“This is one of the most important infrastructure projects for the Neretva Valley,” said Minister Marija Vučković, warning that the area is highly vulnerable to climate risks and requires long-term investment.

Zoran Đuroković, director-general of the state-owned Hrvatske vode water management company, said the project marks a key step in protecting the valley from saltwater intrusion and restoring degraded soils, while also safeguarding biodiversity.

The goal is to reduce salinity in surface and groundwater as well as soil to ensure sustainable agricultural production while protecting the natural environment, the ministry added.