MEASURES STEPPED UP IN LARNACA TO SAVE WATER AMID GROWING CONCERNS - Cy Mail 31/3 by Eleni Philippou
Immediate measures have been taken by the Larnaca district government (EOA) to conserve water, including reducing pressure in supply networks, repairing damage to minimise losses, and launching awareness campaigns in schools, the organisation’s president Angelos Hadjicharalambous said.
Hadjicharalambous said the initiative comes in the context of World Water Day on March 22, under a campaign titled “Every Drop Counts”, aimed at intensifying water-saving efforts.
“With the new data we have before us regarding water supply, we have taken immediate measures to raise public awareness, provide technical solutions and limit water demand, so that we can avoid having to impose water cuts during the summer period,” he said.
He acknowledged that the effort is challenging but stressed that all staff of the Larnaca EOA are involved in achieving the organisation’s goals. At the same time, he called on the public to recognise the seriousness of the situation.
“Water is not a given. We must act individually and collectively to safeguard this precious resource,” he said.
Responding to questions, Hadjicharalambous confirmed that one of the immediate steps taken was the reduction of water pressure in supply networks.
“Since February 24, we have reduced pressure in the water supply networks. This measure aims to rationalise use and save water, given the particularly difficult water situation Cyprus is facing,” he said.
Additional measures include large-scale installation of water supply connections, replacement of ageing networks with high losses and near-daily repairs of faults to prevent wastage.
The organisation is also turning its attention to education, with a campaign targeting primary schools in Larnaca district set to begin after Easter.
“We want to inform and cultivate a water-saving mindset, starting with our children. We believe in investing in the future citizens of our country,” Hadjicharalambous said.
He added that children can play a key role by spreading the message to their families and helping promote responsible water use.
EOA director general Sophocles Christodoulides said the central message is that water conservation is a shared responsibility.
“Water is precious and saving it is everyone’s duty. We have launched various campaigns to instil water awareness,” he said.
He referred to a recent event in Larnaca marking World Water Day, which saw strong public participation, including children who conveyed messages about the importance of water.
“This is a continuous effort. We must not become complacent, despite the relatively good rainfall this year,” he said, noting that water scarcity remains a long-term issue for Cyprus.
Argyro Filaretou, director of technical services at the EOA, said efforts are ongoing to reduce demand and prevent waste, particularly ahead of the summer season.
“We are constantly on alert, working to reduce water demand as much as possible so that this valuable resource is not wasted,” she said.
She noted that reduced network pressure, repairs, and replacement of old infrastructure have already helped achieve some savings.
“We are also ensuring that leaks are repaired quickly and effectively, while continuing public awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of water conservation during these difficult times,” she added.
