PL
Public consultations for the “Safe Vistula” project are ongoing. So far, four meetings have taken place in Sandomierz, Szczurowa, Koszyce, and Przykop. The Regional Water Management Authority (RZGW) in Kraków has announced further meetings, emphasizing that they will be conducted in accordance with the expectations of local residents and municipal authorities. We invite everyone to submit comments and suggestions on our website, with submissions open until January 17, 2025.
The State Water Management Authority, Polish Waters – RZGW Kraków, thanks all residents of Sandomierz, Szczurowa, Koszyce, and Przykop for participating in the meetings held so far. The authority also consistently reminds that this is a conceptual investment project within the Program and not a final decision to commence construction.
On the areas of potential investment, the preliminary plans for two polders—one in Szczurowa and another in Przykop—are causing the most concern, particularly due to the potential need for resident relocation. According to representatives of Polish Waters and experts, both structures could play a crucial role in preventing floods in the Upper Western and Upper Eastern Vistula River basins between Kraków and Zawichost.
– We understand that discussing potential relocation is very difficult. However, we are facing a significant flood risk. What will we do when confronted with a flood of similar magnitude to those in the Vistula Valley in 2010 or the Kłodzko Valley in September 2024? We must talk about this. I assure you that these consultations are meant to build a consensus on flood protection measures, – said Wojciech Kozak, Director of the Regional Water Management Authority in Kraków.
Facts Matter the Most
At the request of Szczurowa residents, the consultation period has been extended, and another meeting will be held in the municipality on January 14, 2025. – “We hope that unverified and politically motivated claims will be replaced by factual discussions with the local community on issues that matter to them. This concerns not only their safety but also the safety of nearly 140,000 residents of the so-called Sandomierz Vistula region,” – said Director Kozak, referring to the first, highly emotional meeting with the Szczurowa community.
Contrary to false rumors suggesting that “a flood polder is being secretly planned out of fear of residents’ opposition,” the following facts remain:
In June and July 2023, meetings took place between municipal representatives and provincial authorities from Małopolskie, Świętokrzyskie, and Podkarpackie. These meetings were held at the regional government offices.
On May 14, 2024, preliminary information about the polder concept was presented at a conference in Sandomierz attended by representatives of Szczurowa.
On October 4, 2024, a meeting was held with the Szczurowa Municipal Council.
All relevant stakeholders, including municipalities involved in the project—Szczurowa, Koszyce, Padew Narodowa, and Baranów Sandomierski—received invitations to these meetings. RZGW Kraków does not rule out additional meetings, including individual consultations based on stakeholders’ suggestions, which will be announced accordingly.
What if It Happens Like in the Kłodzko Valley?
The municipalities where the preliminary project envisions polder construction have lodged protests. However, RZGW Kraków has been receiving calls and messages from residents in flood-prone areas who fear further flooding and admit their homes are in poor condition. Some express concern, saying:
“We don’t want to go through another flood nightmare. We wouldn’t survive another one like the one in the Kłodzko Valley.“
Others openly state that they want to live safely and, despite the difficulty of the decision, are considering relocation. All opinions and questions are being meticulously collected, and experts are systematically responding. These answers will be published on our website: www.bezpiecznawisla.pl.
Addressing Concerns and Questions
During previous meetings, the proximity of planned polder embankments raised concerns, with some referencing the embankment failure in Stronie Śląskie.
“However, the reservoir in Stronie Śląskie was built in 1907, and its storage capacity—determined over 100 years ago—was insufficient for the water inflow during the September 2024 flood, which led to overflow. Modern reservoirs, polders, and flood embankments are constructed with the latest sealing and filtration barrier technologies,” reassured Director Kozak.
Residents can also submit comments and suggestions via a form available on our website: www.bezpiecznawisla.pl/konsultacje. Experts will respond to all submissions.
Agreement Must Come First
If there is public approval and funding is secured, construction would not begin before 2027. The design phase would take approximately four years, with construction requiring another three to four years.
Discussions on potential compensation and relocation support have already been initiated. It has been emphasized that if the project proceeds, compensation matters will be addressed individually. All affected residents will receive compensation sufficient to build a house of the same size in a different location or be offered a new home in a so-called “replacement village,” preserving their social environment. The “Safe Vistula” project appears in official documents under its full title:
“A Retention Action Program as Part of Flood Risk Management in the Upper Western and Upper Eastern Vistula River Basin between Kraków and Zawichost.”
The consultations cover both the program itself and the environmental impact assessment prepared for it.