Filenews 19 December 2025 - by Ioanna Mantiipa
The Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Dr. Maria Panagiotou, visited the fire-affected areas of mountainous Limassol today, where flood protection works were implemented, in order to inspect their effectiveness after the recent rainfall. The aim of the visit was to determine whether the interventions meet the protection needs of the communities.
In her statements from one of the 21 points where gabions have been placed, Ms. Panagiotou said: "The Water Development Department identified 120 kilometers of the points where it was deemed necessary to install the barbed wire and, within a short period of time, all the projects were completed as early as November. We are currently completing the inspection of the points to make sure they are serving the purpose for which they were placed. They responded to the latest rainfall and, where necessary, the necessary corrections will be made."
The Minister thanked the Department of Water Development, the contractors and staff who worked for the completion of the projects, as well as the local authorities of the 13 fire-affected communities, pointing out that without their cooperation it would not have been possible to implement the interventions quickly. The total cost of the projects amounted to about half a million euros and were implemented in parallel with projects that ensure water supply and irrigation in the affected areas.
Referring to the rainfall, Ms. Panagiotou stressed: "The purpose for which we did them was to be supplied and ready for any weather phenomenon. Despite the fact that the rains came in limited quantities, we are continuing with our planning." She presented the triple pillar of the water resources management program: the enhancement of the water balance through unconventional sources, such as desalination, the improvement and strengthening of water supply and irrigation networks with projects worth 200 million euros, and the cultivation of water awareness among citizens.
He also noted the need to limit overconsumption of water: "We ask people to stop overconsumption and waste, without reducing their quality of life. It is enough to turn off the tap for two minutes, which can have a substantial effect on the water status."
Regarding the compensation of the fire-affected farmers, the Minister pointed out: "We have completed the direct payments for one year's loss of income to approximately 1,400 beneficiaries, amounting to 3,3 million euros. At the same time, we are working with reactivation, where the first advances have been given to farmers and livestock units, and payments continue depending on the progress of their projects."
Ms. Panagiotou concluded by emphasizing the Ministry's constant presence and cooperation with local authorities and beneficiaries, ensuring speed in procedures and effective support for reactivation in the affected areas.
