Pafos Live 31 October 2024
by Valentinos Fakontis, MP AKEL – Left – New Forces
The picture in Asprogremmos, one of the largest dams in Cyprus, is disappointing. The dam has almost dried up. The quantities of water available reach only 30%. Unfortunately, the same tragic picture is presented by all the dams in Cyprus.
The prolonged drought has created many problems. The consequences for the agricultural sector are serious. Due to limited irrigation, this year's harvests are very limited and consequently the prices of agricultural products have skyrocketed.
The main problem, however, is that if the state does not act immediately, we will be thirsty!
Many urban areas cannot meet their water needs and cut off water supplies several times a week, both to households and businesses. The situation worsens mainly during the summer tourist season when the increase in the number of tourists and the increased needs of tourist accommodation for water come into the equation.
The solution is not to look at the sky to see when it will rain! It is urgent for the government to take measures to address the water issue and de-dependence of water supply from weather conditions.
To this end, we propose the following measures:
1. Construction of new desalination plants, both in Paphos and in other districts.
2. Replacement of obsolete networks – water supply and irrigation pipes – in order to drastically reduce losses that sometimes reach 60% to 70%.
3. Promotion of water-saving technologies in agricultural crops with subsidy schemes for new irrigation systems for farmers.
4. Strengthen tertiary treatment policies and better manage reclaimed water from wastewater plants.
5. Repositioning of the critical for our country, water issue, as a priority for the distribution of the secured funds from the European Funds.
