New Desalination Unit
The new units would be purchased directly with funds from Paxos Pledge and given to the authority.
Established 2022
What Is The Paxos Pledge?
The Paxos Pledge is a commitment by the Island’s homeowners to support their local island services.
For those of us who enjoy this amazing place, the Pledge is a way for us to give back and contribute to ensure the island can remain beautiful and operational, given the intensification of its use by homeowners and tourists alike.
The Paxos Pledge is a modest gift. It can be anonymous if the donor would prefer but otherwise, the names of the houses whose owners donate  (not the owners themselves ) will be visible in a show of support for the island. The amount gifted will not be shown.
It is estimated that there are around 600 rental houses on the island who can solve the problem
Don’t Complain, Contribute.
Why Do We Need A Paxos Pledge?
The Corfu Administration has limited resources and the Paxos Budget, under the Mayor, is insufficient for the Island’s needs.
The Paxos Local Government Budget does not flex with the number of visitors and the subsequent pressures put on the Island’s services.
The primary challenges facing the Island are:
- Water Supply
- Rubbish
We are currently raising money for water supply.
Water Issues
The Paxos Pledge now needs to try to resolve the water issues, which all homeowners are well aware of.
The continuing problems with the water are now causing reputational issues for the island, significant disruption and will impact property values.
There are two issues:
- Lack of Water
- Water infrastructure, including reservoirs and leaks
The water infrastructure can be dealt with over time by repairs to reservoirs and leaks. The most immediate requirement is water supply.
Desalination:
Current Capacity
The Island bought a new desalination plant in July 2025 and, together with a second unit, the island’s total (current) capacity is 2,100m3 every 24 hours.
The Island also rents a unit costing €150,000 per annum. The Island has purchased another new unit for Lakka, which will deliver 300m3 every day.
The Paxos Pledge Team have assisted with the provision of a much larger unit, due to be delivered this summer, 2026, which is on a rental basis. The Paxos Pledge provided the deposit and this unit which will be based in Gaios, will deliver 1,000m3 per day.
One further unit is required for an additional 400m3 every 24 hours.
The cost of the third desalination unit is €500,000. This would placed next to the rental unit.
Current Desalination Operation
Old Systems
There is still essential further works to do.
Recent Investment
It is wrong to suggest that there has been no investment, there has been and it is an ongoing project
New Systems
The costs are high, the recent pipework (part shown above) cost around €40,000 to replace.
Our Journey & The Road Ahead
The Paxos Pledge is intended to continue as a vehicle to support the Island. The water supply is just the first step.
€60,000 lent by members of the Paxos Pledge to provide the deposit for a new 1,000m3 desalination unit based in Gaios, which should go a long way to solving the Island’s water issues.
2026
Waste Disposal Strategy & Rubbish Collection for the Island – Fundraising.
2027
Guardian of Funds
The funds raised will remain in a separate trust account and are only be used for the direct purchase of equipment. All contracts will be available on this website for review and full transparency.
The Paxos Pledge will be governed by Committee Members including:
Anthony Chancellor: Committee Member
Anthony bought his house in Paxos in 2004 and has lived on the island permanently since 2010, becoming actively involved in island life and a number of environmental initiatives. He worked for the UK NHS in Mental Health for 30 years before founding his own mental healthcare business, which he sold in 2004 in order to establish a small venture capital fund. Following his third retirement, Anthony moved to Paxos full-time. He has served as a member of the Ionian Environment Foundation Steering Group, supporting funding for environmental projects across the Ionian region, and is also an enthusiastic supporter of the Paxos Sailing School.
Richard Cardiff: Committee Member
Richard bought his house in Paxos in 2020 and has lived on the island permanently since 2025. He spent 38 years in the finance industry, holding senior positions with firms including Jardine Fleming Asset Management and JP Morgan, where he served as a Managing Director. In 2005, he founded Coupland Cardiff Asset Management LLP, which he led until his retirement in 2022. Richard is married and has four daughters.
Nicolas Roach: Paxos Pledge Founder & Committee Member
Nic bought his property in 2020 and trained and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with PwC and runs an investment company called Nicolas James Group.
