Newsroom
Cyprus is bracing for a tough summer as the risk of water cuts remains high, despite new government measures aimed at tackling the ongoing water scarcity issue. Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou acknowledged the severity of the situation, warning that while efforts are being made, the problem is far from solved.
Speaking to DIAPORA NEWS, Panayiotou stated that the country is experiencing one of the worst droughts in years, and the outdated water supply network is making matters worse. She noted that the desalination plants, which currently meet around 70% of the island’s water needs, are not enough to cover the entire demand.
"I can't sugarcoat the situation," Panayiotou said. "Things are very, very difficult. The quantities of water in our dams are minimal, and the desalination plants aren’t enough to fully supply us."
The government’s long-term solution involves two new permanent desalination plants, which are expected to begin operation in late 2029 or 2030, though Panayiotou hinted that they could be ready sooner. Until then, the island will have to rely on existing facilities and urgent measures to manage water usage.
At a recent press conference, the Minister of Agriculture presented several measures that the government has approved to address the ongoing water crisis. These include:
- An €8 million budget to repair Cyprus’s outdated water supply network, aimed at reducing water losses, which currently reach 35-40%. The funds will come from European Union sources.
- A €1 million allocation for water projects in areas that lack sufficient coverage by local authorities.
- A €3 million grant scheme to fund small desalination plants in hotels, which would help meet their specific water needs.
- A simplification of the licensing process for small desalination plants, with the goal of quickly getting new plants operational for hotels, local authorities, and farmers.
Panayiotou emphasized that the licensing process for small desalination plants would be streamlined, with approval for funding and permits taking as little as one week. She encouraged entrepreneurs interested in building small desalination plants to get in touch with the Ministry of Agriculture for further details.
