Larnaca: Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment, Maria Panayiotou, announced that the mobile desalination units that arrived from the United Arab Emirates are integral to the government’s overarching strategy to address water supply needs.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Minister addressed journalists at the port of Larnaca, explaining that the units reached the Cypriot coast late Saturday, docked at the port on Sunday, and began the unloading process early Monday. She emphasized that the Water Development Department has been diligently preparing to ensure the units are operational by June.
Panayiotou elaborated on the next steps, stating that after unloading, the transport of the 33 containers would commence over several days. Initial technical inspections are scheduled in Limassol, with one unit heading to Paphos and the remainder remaining in Limassol.
Reflecting on her April visit to the UAE, Panayiotou highlighted the collaboration with Emirati experts, noting that the connection process for the units is expected to take one month, aligning with the original timeline. She underscored the urgency of the situation, urging citizens to continue conserving water despite the arrival of the units.
The Minister expressed gratitude towards the UAE for their timely support, attributing the successful arrival of the units to the strong bilateral relations fostered by President Nikos Christodoulides’ administration, which aims to enhance Cyprus’s diplomatic influence and achieve practical results in governance.