#Poland #Sweco #flood control #Kamieniec Ząbkowicki

Sweco Secures Major Contract for Flood Control in Poland

In a significant stride towards enhancing climate resilience in Poland, Sweco, a leading engineering consultancy, has officially entered into an agreement with State Water Holding Polish Waters. The objective is to create the design documentation for the pivotal Kamieniec Ząbkowicki reservoir on the Nysa Kłodzka River, also known as the Eastern Neisse River. This undertaking is part of a broader government initiative aimed at fortifying the nation's water management capabilities against the impacts of climate change.

The decision to initiate construction of this reservoir comes in the wake of a disastrous flooding event triggered by Storm Boris last year, which resulted in tragic loss of life, large-scale evacuations, and destructive impact on infrastructure and agriculture across Poland. In response to this crisis, the Polish government is championing a strategic infrastructure development program designed to bolster resilience against future extreme weather incidents, with this reservoir being a cornerstone of that vision.

With a massive capacity of up to 104 million cubic meters, the Kamieniec Ząbkowicki reservoir will aim to double the flood wave experienced in September 2024. Maciej Chrzanowski, President of Sweco in Poland, stated, “This project perfectly aligns with our capabilities. It will be one of the largest hydrotechnical structures in Poland, critical for national water security and climate resilience. Our team is committed to developing a solution that upholds high technical standards while limiting environmental impacts.”

The project is projected to incur an estimated total cost of around €288 million, with Sweco's portion valued at approximately €14.6 million. As the design phase unfolds, which is set to commence shortly, construction is anticipated to kick off in 2027, with intentions to complete the investment by 2030. Sweco will oversee comprehensive documentation preparation, secure all necessary administrative approvals, develop tender documents, and provide authorial supervision throughout the project.

This initiative underscores a pivotal shift in Poland's approach to water management, emphasizing infrastructure sustainability and climate preparedness. As extreme weather continues to wreak havoc globally, the resilience of infrastructure becomes increasingly paramount, and Poland’s proactive stance signals a commitment to safeguarding its communities and ecosystems. The Kamieniec Ząbkowicki project is thus not merely a construction effort; it represents a vital investment in the future of Polish society amid a changing climate.

As Sweco embarks on this ambitious venture, the company’s expertise in creating sustainable, innovative solutions will be imperative in ensuring the project not only benefits immediate flood control needs but also contributes positively to the surrounding environment for years to come.

Constantly evolving climate patterns call for innovative strategies that harmonize human activity with nature. By integrating sustainable design practices with advanced hydrotechnical engineering, Sweco is setting a benchmark for future infrastructure projects, ensuring they remain resilient and effective in the face of changing environmental conditions. This project could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives globally, particularly in regions frequently impacted by flooding and other climate-related challenges.