Nicosia: The Cyprus government is actively working to address one of the country’s most severe water crises in recent decades, as dam reserves reach critically low levels. Recent figures released by the Water Development Department (WDD) show that the overall dam capacity currently stands at just 19.6%, compared to 39.3% at the same time last year.
According to Cyprus News Agency, a temporary solution is expected to come about in July with the activation of mobile desalination units recently installed in Moni, Limassol district, which were provided by the United Arab Emirates. Andreas Gregoriou, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, stated that teams from the Water Development Department, the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC), and the contractor are working intensively to put the units into work within days.
Gregoriou confirmed that the project for a mobile desalination unit in Kissonerga, with a daily capacity of 10,000 cubic meters per day, has been awarded and is expected to begin operation after the summer. Additionally, projects for permanent desalination units on the Garyllis River and at Limassol Port are progressing, with tenders currently in progress.
Regarding the Moni units, Gregoriou noted that they will have the capacity to produce approximately 13,000 cubic meters of water per day, offering short-term relief during a critical period. Despite the crisis, Gregoriou responded negatively when asked whether water cuts are being considered, citing Water Development Department projections that suggest no immediate need for cuts. However, he reiterated the importance of responsible water use by consumers to avoid future restrictions.
The dire water situation is reflected in official WDD statistics. As of June 27, the country’s total capacity of water reservoirs stood at just 19.6%, compared to 39.3% a year ago. At Kouris Dam, the largest on the island, water levels are at only 16.7%, down from 34.7% a year ago, with only 19.2 million cubic meters stored.