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The Mavrokolympos dam has finally been emptied, leaving behind not just a dry reservoir but also a flood of frustration among Cypriots. The drastic measure was taken to address a technical failure, but it resulted in the loss of millions of cubic meters of precious water — a tough pill to swallow in a country where every drop matters.
Engineers and technicians from the Water Development Department (WDD) are now racing to find a solution to prevent such incidents in the future. According to Andreas Gregoriou, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, the issue stems from a failure in the dam’s ventilation exchanger — a problem described as unprecedented.
“This has never happened before,” Gregoriou explained, dismissing claims that the incident was due to neglect. “We’re evaluating alternatives to ensure maintenance and emergency interventions can be conducted without needing to drain the dam entirely.”
Public Backlash Over Water Loss
While the technical details are being assessed, the public’s patience is running dry. Social media has been ablaze with criticism, with many questioning how such a failure could happen in the first place. “We’re constantly reminded to save water, yet here we are watching millions of cubic meters disappear,” said one outraged resident.
The timing couldn’t be worse. Cyprus is no stranger to water shortages, and the loss of a major water source has left many wondering about the state of infrastructure management.
A Wake-Up Call for the Future
Periodic inspections of the dam had flagged issues in 2023, Gregoriou noted, but he insisted that staffing and maintenance protocols were being followed. Despite these assurances, the incident highlights the need for better contingency planning and stronger safety measures.
For now, engineers are exploring ways to repair the dam and ensure long-term reliability. A decision on the best course of action is expected in the coming days.
In the meantime, the emptied reservoir stands as a stark reminder of the challenges Cyprus faces in managing its water resources. As Gregoriou put it, “We’re working to make sure this never happens again.” For many, however, the damage — both to the dam and public trust — has already been done.
