More than 200,000 water meters are operating in the province of Nicosia and 72,000 of them will be replaced at this stage. The replacement falls within the framework of the implementation of a contract, which was signed by the EOA Nicosia with the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (CYTA).
As philenews has already written, the meters will be connected to a smart application, which can also be installed on mobile phones and inform consumers/users about any increased water consumption.
As stated by the president of the HOA Nicosia, Constantinos Yiorkadjis, during a press conference, "3,000 smart water meters have already been installed on a pilot basis within the walls of Nicosia, confirming the significant benefits of the new technology in practice".
As he explained, the success in digital measurement, in the walled city, reaches 99%.
At the same time, as he mentioned, Cyta is expected to receive the first batch of 9,000 smart water meters at the beginning of August, as part of the total supply of 72,000 devices. The implementation of the project will proceed in eight consecutive batches of 9,000 water meters, at a rate of one batch per quarter, while their installation will be completed by the end of 2027. The installation will start from the areas of Aglantzia, Engomi, Makedonitissa, part of Strovolos, old Nicosia, Latsia, Geri, Tseri, Anthoupoli, Ergates, Lakatamia and Kato Pyrgos Tyllirias.
According to Mr. Georghadjis, the project to replace conventional water meters with smart water metering devices is part of the Organization's strategic planning for its digital transformation and is co-financed by the Structural Funds "THALIA 2021-2027".
He also explained that the smart water meters will provide the possibility of daily, remote recording of water consumption in the premises, in contrast to the current practice, where the recording is carried out in person every two months. According to the contractor's contractual obligations, the water meters will be connected to a smart application, which can also be installed on mobile phones.
As the president of the EOA said, this operation will allow the immediate and daily monitoring of water use in all the premises of the District, contributing substantially to the reduction of losses, as it will be possible to detect leaks in time. At the same time, it will be an important tool for strengthening the rational use of water and will help change the culture of saving by citizens.
Mr. Yiorkadjis also stated that the project is part of a wider effort for the holistic replacement of conventional water meters in the Nicosia District and the complete modernization of the way of recording the water supply, which is part of the wider context of the digital transformation of the Nicosia EOA.
Speaking at the same press conference, the chairman of the Tender Committee of EOA Nicosia, Andreas Constantinou, stated that the compatibility of the tender with the European directives was examined as the project is co-financed by the Thalia 21-27 structural funds. One of the factors examined was the award of the tender to the cheapest bidder within specifications.
He also said that the completion of the evaluation and award was a particularly difficult task, since the tender also contained quality characteristics on the water meter.
"The award of the tender and the issuance of a certificate of compatibility are the beginning of the implementation of this very important project that aims to add another big step towards the digital transition of operation and service of the EOA Nicosia", added Mr. Constantinou.
