Ayalon Flood Prevention Drainage System Faces Operational Budget Shortfall Ahead of Winter
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
The drainage system designed to prevent flooding in the Ayalon area as part of Israel Railways' fourth track project lacks an approved operational budget ahead of winter. Despite 2 billion shekels invested and expected completion by 2026, officials warn that without funding for maintenance, the system may fail, risking severe flooding and environmental damage. Responsibility for the area will transfer to Ariel Sharon Park Company, which will manage it as a public metropolitan park.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The Ayalon flood prevention drainage system lacks an approved operational budget ahead of winter.
- The system is crucial for preventing floods linked to Israel Railways' fourth track construction.
- 2 billion shekels have been invested, with project completion expected by end of 2026.
- Maintenance costs are estimated at 50 million shekels annually, excluding drainage authority needs.
- Without funding, the system may fail, risking flooding and environmental harm.
- The area will become a metropolitan park managed by Ariel Sharon Park Company after handover.
As winter approaches, officials involved in the "Flood Blanket" project at Ariel Sharon Park warn that the operational and maintenance budget for the drainage system designed to prevent flooding in the Ayalon area has not yet been secured. This system is a key component of the fourth railway track construction by Israel Railways, intended to manage runoff water from the Shfela and hill regions into the Ayalon channel during heavy rains. The warning was communicated to Environment Minister Idit Silman, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Transportation Minister Miri Regev, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Avi Dichter, and senior officials across various government bodies including Netivei Israel and the Yarkon Drainage Authority.
The "Flood Blanket" project spans approximately 4,000 dunams within Ariel Sharon Park and is integral to the fourth Ayalon track, as without it, the railway's operation would cause massive flooding. Initially, Netivei Israel was to maintain the area for seven years, but government ministries later decided to transfer responsibility to the Ariel Sharon Park Company for management, operation, and maintenance before public opening. Despite 2 billion shekels already invested, the project faces delays partly due to the war, with completion expected by the end of 2026 and subsequent handover of the land.
However, the unresolved issue is the lack of an approved budget for ongoing operation and maintenance, estimated at around 50 million shekels annually, excluding additional funds needed by the drainage authority. Without this funding, there is concern the system may not function when needed, undermining the entire flood prevention effort. The area is also planned to become a metropolitan park with a rich ecosystem, meaning poor maintenance could negatively impact both the drainage system and public and environmental use.
Since the drainage system is not an independent project but part of the infrastructure for the fourth Ayalon track, its proper operation is essential for the railway's overall functionality and completion.
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