FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – Water losses in some Cypriot communities have reached up to 70%, representatives from the Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca Water Resources Authorities (EWAs) revealed during a Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture debate.
They stressed that the €8 million allocated for water scarcity measures is insufficient to replace aging networks, with MPs calling this amount a mere “drop in the ocean.”
Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Andreas Grigoriou, clarified that the €8 million is for immediate crisis management, with additional funds to follow for network replacement.
The acute water shortage, exacerbated by dam reserves falling below 25% and the ongoing three-year drought, poses significant challenges for water supply, irrigation, and livestock farming.
Priority measures are aimed at ensuring adequate water for essential needs, beginning with water supply, followed by livestock farming, and then permanent crops. The situation underscores the urgency for sustainable water management strategies.
APPEAL
Last month, the Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panayiotou, appealed to regional organizations, hoteliers, communities, and citizens to contribute to efforts addressing water scarcity.
During a press conference, she outlined the government’s four emergency measures approved by the Council of Ministers, emphasizing the commitment to managing the situation and prioritizing the avoidance of water supply cuts. However, she stressed the need for collective effort.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumis, highlighted a grant plan for installing small private desalination units in hotel establishments.