State LLC “Real Estate of the Ministry of Agriculture of Latvia” (ZMNĪ) has completed the reconstruction of three polder pumping stations this year: the Ķūļciems polder pumping station in Ķūļciems Parish, Talsi Municipality; the Upati polder pumping station in Ugāle Parish, Ventspils Municipality; and the Jāņupīte polder pumping station in Sala Parish, Mārupe Municipality. A total of EUR 5 million was invested from the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) and the state budget.*
During the reconstruction works, the pumping station buildings and technological equipment were fully renovated, underground and above-ground structures were rebuilt, and new modern automated pumps were installed. Automated control and monitoring systems were introduced to ensure real-time monitoring of water level changes and rapid operational response. The pumping stations were equipped with debris screens, automatic screen-cleaning equipment, and debris conveyor systems. In addition, fire safety, security alarm, and video surveillance systems were installed, and the electricity supply systems were upgraded. To ensure operational continuity in emergency situations, mobile power generators and backup pumps were provided. The project also included the cleaning of retention basins and drainage ditches, as well as landscaping and site improvement works.
In 2025 and 2026, the restoration of eight flood protection dams with a total length of 37.31 km was also completed in the municipalities of Dienvidkurzeme, Ropaži, Mārupe, Ogre, Jelgava, and Rēzekne, with investments amounting to EUR 5.38 million. During the works, the dams were restored to their designed technical parameters, and damage caused by wind, precipitation, water impact, and animal activity was repaired. Vegetation was removed, surface subsidence, erosion, and collapses were eliminated, while dam structures were reinforced and surface layers restored. To reduce future damage risks, protective mesh fencing was installed in certain locations, alongside landscaping and greening works.
The maintenance of drainage systems is essential for reducing flood risks in rural areas. Proper functioning of these systems supports the sustainable use of agricultural and forest land, prevents the degradation of reclaimed land and adjacent territories, improves agricultural and forestry productivity, and enhances production efficiency, thereby also contributing to food security and self-sufficiency. Well-maintained drainage systems help prevent or reduce flood risks, protecting rural residents, their buildings, farms, machinery, agricultural and forest land, roads, and other important infrastructure assets from flooding.
Overall, flood risk mitigation measures are being implemented at 22 state drainage infrastructure sites: nine pumping stations, 12 flood protection dams, and one canal. Construction works are planned to be completed by the end of July 2026.
* Implemented under Investment 1.3.1.2.i “Investments in Flood Risk Reduction Infrastructure” of Latvia’s Recovery and Resilience Plan, Component 1 “Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability”, Reform and Investment Direction 1.3 “Adaptation to Climate Change”, financed by the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF).
