Flood protection along the Zagyva and Tisza rivers has reached another important milestone. Thanks to an EU-funded development program, several levee sections have been reinforced, hydraulic structures have been renovated or rebuilt, and a modern flood defense system has been established—enhancing the long-term safety of riverside communities.
The project covered four key areas: three along the Zagyva River and one on the right bank of the Tisza. Its goal was to modernize the existing flood protection system, making it more reliable and better prepared for future challenges.
On the left bank of the Zagyva, levees were rebuilt with a four-meter-wide crest and stabilized slopes. Seepage at the base is prevented by a clay cutoff installed at the toe of the embankment. A new sluice structure with a pumping station was constructed at Nagyfenék, playing a key role in water level control. The Új Kenderéri and Bogárzó sluices, as well as the Új Kenderéri pumping station, were reconstructed, while the Közös-Határmenti and Régi Kenderéri sluices were removed. The levee maintenance station was also refurbished.
Similar large-scale improvements were carried out on the right bank of the Zagyva, including levee reinforcement and the modernization of the Határmenti pumping station, sluice, and maintenance facilities. In one section, a reinforced concrete diaphragm wall with a parapet wall was built, providing durable protection with a smaller footprint. The Zámbor and Pinczi sluices were also upgraded, along with additional riverbank stabilization works.
Further developments took place along the right bank of the Tisza. Here, levees were strengthened with a five-meter-wide crest. As on the Zagyva, stabilized slopes and clay cutoff solutions were applied to prevent seepage. The levee maintenance station and the Tiszakécske Flood Protection Center were refurbished, and a stabilized surface was constructed along the levee crest to ensure that maintenance and emergency operations can continue even in adverse weather conditions.
One of the project’s key achievements was the construction of the Millér Flood Protection Center, which plays an important role in coordinating regional flood defense efforts. In addition, a Flood Protection Training Center was established to support the preparation of professionals. Here, experts can practice flood response tasks in realistic, simulated conditions, while younger colleagues gain valuable hands-on experience.
As a result of these developments, flood protection systems along the Zagyva and Tisza rivers have become more modern and reliable. Reinforced levees, upgraded hydraulic structures, and new protective facilities all contribute to helping the region face future flood challenges with greater preparedness and resilience.
The development was implemented from EU funding in the project KEHOP-1.4.0-15-2015-00008 under the Environmental and Energy Efficiency Operational Programme.
Find out more about the project in the Project Finder:Details
