The Council of the Olomouc Region does not agree with the Danube-Oder-Elbe canal

Olomouc - The Olomouc Regional Council today expressed its disapproval of the construction of the Danube-Oder-Elbe canal, which is intended to run through the Olomouc region. "The council also recommends that the Olomouc Regional Assembly approve a declarative statement," said Josef Indra from the Pirates, who are part of the regional coalition, to ČTK today. The resolution for the preparation of this extensive construction was adopted by the Czech government on October 5.

"At this time, the canal has no practical or economic justification. In addition, experts believe it poses a great threat to the environment. Therefore, I think it was a correct decision not to support its construction further," commented the decision of the regional councilors by Olomouc governor Josef Suchánek (Pirates and STAN).

According to Indra, the regional councilors were united in their disapproval of the canal's construction. "Personally, I consider this project a gamble with our landscape and a waste of money under the strong influence of the concrete lobby. Given that knowledgeable experts throughout the country oppose the Danube-Oder-Elbe canal, I see no reason to support this nonsensical megalomaniacal project. Moreover, I believe that in the critical period we are currently facing, our country cannot afford such an investment," noted regional councilor Zdeňka Dvořáková Kocourková (Pirates).

The city councilors of Ostrava also oppose the construction of the Danube-Oder-Elbe canal. They unanimously voted against it in mid-November and are calling for an end to the preparations for the construction of the water project. The city points out that the construction would have enormous consequences for the ecosystem and the environment around the Odra River, which flows through Ostrava's territory, and would negatively affect the city's urban planning.

The feasibility study for the construction of the Danube-Oder-Elbe water corridor was discussed by the government at the beginning of October. The first part of the water corridor, which is expected to cost approximately 15 billion crowns, is to be prepared, focusing on linking the Danube with the Odra. The approved preparations for the project faced criticism from opposition politicians and representatives of ecological organizations. In the region, for example, the University of Ostrava has opposed them. Conversely, President Miloš Zeman is advocating for the canal's construction.