The current Municipal Water Supply and Sewage Enterprise of the Municipality of Rhodes (DEYAR) operates as a Private Law Legal Entity under Law 1069/80. The Municipality of Rhodes is the sole shareholder and owner. It is a public utility, non-profit organization that operates according to the principles of private enterprise, except for matters that are regulated differently by specific provisions.

«Unless humanity leverages the hard work of the past, he will forever remain in the infancy of knowledge». (Cicero)

The DEYAs across the country were established after 1980 under their founding law (Law 1069/80).

Today, there are a total of 125 DEYAs operating throughout Greece.

However, the DEYA of Rhodes has a history that predates this establishment, likely making it the oldest water resources management company in Greece. Let’s take a closer look:

Establishment of the first Rhodes Water Management Company (E.G.A.R.)

1927
On April 11, 1927, the company Ente Governativo Acavedotti di Rodi (E.G.A.R.) was established under Decree No. 57 of the Italian Administration, accompanied by a Statute consisting of 21 articles. Its purpose was to manage the drinking water supply and the aqueduct of the city of Rhodes.

Establishment of the Water Agency

1929
On April 11, 1927, the company Ente Governativo Acavedotti di Rodi (E.G.A.R.) was established under Decree No. 57 of the Italian Administration, accompanied by a Statute consisting of 21 articles. Its purpose was to manage the drinking water supply and the aqueduct of the city of Rhodes.

Evolution of E.G.A.R.

1941
On May 8, 1941, Decree No. 142 of the Italian Administration partially amended the Articles of Association of the company, renaming it Ente Governativo Acquedotti di Rodi (E.G.A.R.), while retaining its original purpose. In addition to supplying water to the city of Rhodes, a limited separate rainwater and wastewater Sewage network, along with a combined Sewage network, had already been developed.

Transitional period

1945-1955
With the end of the war and until the incorporation, the management of the waters came under the British Administration and after the incorporation under the Greek Administration and in particular the Municipality of Rhodes. During this period, some interventions for the maintenance and improvement of the waterworks, seem to be made by the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration.

Establishment of the E.D.Y.R.

1955
With the B.D./04.05.1955 (Government Gazette A157/21.06.1955), the Municipal Waterworks Enterprise of Rhodes (E.D.Y.R.) of the Municipality of Rhodes was founded. Its purpose was the maintenance, expansion and economic exploitation of the municipal aqueducts of Rhodes.

Transformation of E.D.Y.R. into D.E.Y.A.R.

1978
By P.D. 64/23.01.1978 (Government Gazette A15/07.02.1978), Municipal Waterworks Enterprise of Rhodes (E.D.Y.R.) is renamed Municipal Water and Sewage Enterprise of Rhodes (D.E.Y.A.R.) and its object is extended to the construction, extension, maintenance, operation and management of rainwater and sewage networks and facilities, the creation of a biological treatment system and irrigation networks, always within the geographical boundaries of the Municipality of Rhodes as it was at the time. It is not an exaggeration to claim that the DEYAR was the model on which Law 1069/80 would be based two years later.

Law 1069/80 - Creation of D.E.Y.A.s throughout the country

1980
The N. 1069/1980 (Government Gazette 191/1980 issue A) “On incentives for the establishment of Water Supply and Sewage Enterprises”, which allows the municipalities of the country to set up a water supply and Sewage company. The law defines the practical matters as well as their organization and operation.

Adaptation of D.E.Y.A.R. to the provisions of Law 1069/80

1981
With PD 526 (Government Gazette A137/28.05.81), the existing D.E.Y.A.R. of the Municipality of Rhodes was converted into D.E.Y.A.R. according to Law 1069/80.

Merger of existing D.E.Y.A. Rhodes Island - Creation of the current DEYAR

2011
By means of Decision No. 2/37851 Decision of the Municipal Council of the integrated Municipality of Rhodes following the Kallikratis scheme, the single Municipal Water Supply and Sewage Enterprise of the Municipality of Rhodes (D.E.Y.A.R. or DEYAR) is established by merging into it the six Rhodes Municipal Water Supply and Sewage Enterprises previously existing on the island of, namely the Municipal Water Supply and Sewage Enterprise of Rhodes (D.E.Y.A.R. or DEYAR) of the former Municipality of Rhodes, the Municipal Water Supply and Sewage Enterprise of Ialyssos (D.E.Y.A.I.) of the former Municipality of Ialyssos, the Municipal Water Supply and Sewage Enterprise of Kallithea (D.E.Y.A.K.) of the former Municipality of Kallithea, the Municipal Water Supply and Sewage Enterprise of Petaloudes (D.E.Y.A.P.) of the former Municipality of Petaloudes, the Municipal Water Supply and Sewage Enterprise of Afantou (D.E.Y.A.A.) of the former Municipality of Afantou, the Municipal Water Supply and Sewage Enterprise of Archangelos (D.E.Y.A.A.) of the former Municipality of Archangelos.

Expansion of area of competence and expansion of scope of DEYAR

2012
By virtue of Decision No. 363/24.05.2012 Decision of the Municipal Council and in application of the provisions of paragraph 6 of article 10 of Law. 4071/2012, the responsibility of irrigation throughout the area of competence of the Municipality of Rhodes is assigned to DEYAR.

At the same time, it extends its jurisdiction to the entire area of the Municipality of Rhodes, namely to the Municipal Units of Kamiros, Atttavyros, Lindos and South Rhodes.

DEYAR today…

Building on our past hard work, today’s experience and knowledge, the evolution of technology and its capabilities, and the tireless dedication of both managers and employees, we are shaping the future through a coherent and integrated Strategic Development Plan “Vision 2030”. Without a clear direction and purpose, we cannot move forward!