FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – The Cypriot government is prioritizing efforts to combat drought and water scarcity through ambitious infrastructure projects and innovative solutions, a top official said Monday.
In remarks at the 6th International Conference on Water Economics, Statistics and Finance and the 10th Leading Edge Conference for Strategic Asset Management (LESAM), Andreas Grigoriou, Director General of Agriculture and Rural Development, outlined the government’s plans to ensure a sustainable water supply for the island.
“Addressing these challenges is a matter of utmost national importance,” said Grigoriou, noting Cyprus has invested heavily in expanding water availability using both conventional and unconventional sources.
The country currently operates five desalination units capable of producing 80 million cubic meters of water annually, reducing reliance on rainfall for urban and tourism hubs. Efforts are underway to increase the use of treated wastewater for irrigation and aquifer replenishment while building infrastructure to support mobile desalination units and smaller private units for hotels.
Short-term initiatives include accelerated maintenance of water networks, limits on irrigation for green spaces, and public campaigns promoting water conservation. Long-term measures aim to fully utilize recycled water, construct two new fixed desalination units connected to renewable energy sources, and revise pricing policies to encourage savings.
Grigoriou emphasized that these initiatives are crucial for protecting the environment while ensuring Cyprus can meet its water demands despite changing climatic conditions.