As part of the accompanying program of the 2024 District Conference in Bratislava, participants and friends of Rotary enjoyed an excursion to the Gabčíkovo Water Dam VDG. A total of 31 participants from 11 Rotary and Rotaract clubs in the district had the opportunity to embark on a comprehensive tour of this unique hydro-engineering marvel on the Danube River.

Mr. Andrej Kasana, the current Government Plenipotentiary for the Construction and Operation of the Gabčíkovo-Nagymaros Hydroelectric Works System, provided an in-depth and clear explanation of the history, construction, and operation of the hydro structures. He also discussed the ongoing technical and legal dispute with the Republic of Hungary and outlined potential solutions. Following his detailed briefing, we toured the engine room of the hydropower plant, which houses the water turbines, and visited the control tower of the locks. We were accompanied by Mr. A. Ilka, Director of Operations of the Hydroelectric Power Plants of the VDG and the Žilina Hydroelectric Works, and Mr. A. Švec, Director of Water Management Operations of the VDG for the Danube River Basin.

At the information center, we watched a film detailing the history of the construction and the significance of the hydroelectric dam in flood protection, navigation, clean renewable energy production, and the development of tourism and sports in the surrounding area. The construction of the dam has demonstrably improved the conditions for the Danube river system's water supply. The building of the Hrušov dam in Čunovo, along with the supply channel to the locks and the power station at the Gabčíkovo stage, has created the necessary conditions for the safe passage of flood flows exceeding 10,000 m³/s, simultaneously protecting the area downstream of Bratislava. Hydropower plants on the Danube now produce about 8% of Slovakia's electricity consumption.

Our journey continued with a visit to the intake structure of the branch system and the small hydroelectric power plant in Dobrohošť. In the unique setting of the peninsula, within the Danube dam area in Čunovo, we explored the now world-famous Danubiana Gallery of Modern Art. We received a thorough explanation of the gallery's history and its 24 years of activity from its founder and director, Mr. V. Polakovič. His dedication to art and enthusiasm for beauty were truly inspiring.

After the gallery tour, we concluded our excursion on the Hungarian side of the Danube with a delightful lunch at the charming SÁRI CSÁRDA restaurant in the village of Dunakiliti. Thanks to the exceptional expertise of our guides, we gained a wealth of new knowledge. We reflected with respect and admiration on the creators of the waterworks, Prof. E. Danišović and Prof. E. Mosonyi, and, of course, the courageous water engineer who brought the waterworks to life, Mr. Július Binder.

Ladislav Gáll, RC Nitra, ADG for Southwestern Slovakia