Filenews 12 June 2025 - by Angelos Nikolaou
A significant delay, of about one month, is recorded in the implementation of the project for the installation of the mobile desalination unit in Moni, in the context of the cooperation between Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates to address the water crisis facing the country. The initial timetable envisaged the operation of the plant until the end of June, however, a new milestone date is now set for July 22.
The announcement was made in the context of a meeting held today at the installation site, with the participation of competent services and the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panagiotou.
The deputy director of the Water Development Department, Giorgos Kazantzis, stated that "the effort from the beginning was to complete the installation by the end of June or the beginning of July. We are a little behind schedule". As he said, the delay is mainly due to technical issues but also to problems in the supply of materials from abroad, necessary for the works of the contractor and subcontractor.
It is a technically complex project, with several challenges, as Mr. Kazantzis said: "These are new units, so in their control several problems arise that need to be solved." At the same time, he pointed out that there is constant communication with the manufacturer in the UAE to address the technical issues.
He added that an effort is being made to compress the timetable, expressing cautious optimism that early completion may be achieved if external deliveries of materials do not show further delays. "The timetable is dynamic, it is revised weekly based on the progress of the work," he underlined.
In case of further delays, the Ministry is considering alternative measures, such as the activation of new boreholes in Kouris and Germasogeia, to meet water needs.
