At a critical time for the management of Cyprus' water resources, the Parliamentary Audit Committee is today discussing the Audit Office's Report, which vividly captures systemic problems, delays and the need for immediate adaptation to the challenges of climate change.
The Report points out that, despite the existence of 108 dams and five desalination plants, Cyprus' water balance remains fragile. Annual losses from the water supply network reach 30 million cubic meters – almost 40% of the total available quantity – with some areas, such as Paphos and Limassol, recording losses of up to 70%.
MPs are expected to raise key questions about the state of the infrastructure, the delay in the interconnection of the Vassiliko desalination plant with the water supply network and the utilization of recycled water, which, despite the available capacity, remains largely unexploited.
The report identifies serious shortcomings in the design and implementation of climate change adaptation policies. The question that arises is whether the Republic of Cyprus has carried out an adequate assessment of the effects of climate change on the water sector and whether timely and effective measures have been taken.
It is noted that the increase in temperature and the decrease in rainfall intensify evaporative transpiration and favour phenomena such as the salinization of aquifers, especially threatening coastal and mountain communities that depend on natural resources.
There is also strong criticism for the absence of a uniform pricing policy for water, as well as for the low cost recovery from its supply. The committee will examine why the Regulations regarding water from boreholes are not fully implemented, but also why the Water Development Department does not have complete consumption data from non-governmental irrigation networks and private boreholes.
Feverish works for the mobile desalination plants in the Monastery
A special discussion is expected on the operation of the mobile desalination plants provided free of charge by the United Arab Emirates. The members of the Committee will ask for clarifications on the operating schedule, the costs of their transportation, installation and operation, as well as on the impact on the EAC electricity grid, especially during the peak summer months.
It is noted that despite the delay in the implementation of the project due to unforeseen technical difficulties, the works continue at an intensive pace for the installation of the mobile desalination units.
The initial schedule envisaged the start of operation of the units by June 30. However, due to unpredictable factors and technical problems identified during the installation and testing of the systems, the new milestone for the delivery of the project was postponed to July 22.
In his statements during a visit by the Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panagiotou, to the installation site at the Monastery's power station, the Deputy Director of the Water Development Department (TAY), Giorgos Kazantzis, said that this is a particularly complex and technically demanding project. "Our initial intention was to complete the work by the end of June or early July at the latest, but we face daily challenges that cause delays. The units are brand new and in their technical control issues arise that require immediate solutions," he stressed.
According to Mr. Kazantzis, the responsible authorities are in constant communication with the manufacturer in the UAE, while there is also close cooperation with EAC and subcontractors to solve any problem. In order to cover any gaps in the water supply, until the completion of the project, additional boreholes are already being activated in the Kouris Delta and Germasogeia.
