Members of the House Audit Committee have called on Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou to provide detailed responses regarding water loss from aging infrastructure, the condition of the country’s dams, and the government’s broader strategy to address drought.
During last week’s committee session, lawmakers reviewed findings from the Audit Office highlighting risks to drinking water quality and dam safety. The report pointed to extensive water loss due to leaks and damage in outdated supply networks, as well as poor maintenance of dams nearing drought thresholds.
MPs requested Panayiotou’s presence at a future meeting to continue the discussion, stressing the need for accountability from political leadership.
Presenting the report, Audit Office official Akis Kikas said that despite a previous audit in 2016, little progress had been made. He noted that the Water Management Advisory Committee meets only once or twice a year and fails to provide adequate guidance to local water authorities.
Of the €1.5 billion water development plan for 2016–2030, which includes 60 projects, only 14 have been completed, according to the report. Kikas also warned of safety gaps in dam management, stating that many facilities lack comprehensive oversight and that even where manuals exist, maintenance is not performed accordingly.
Only three dams—Germasogeia, Polemidia, and Tamasos—have contingency plans in case of failure, while others, including the large Kouris Dam, require urgent risk assessments. No independent inspections have been conducted on major dams in the past decade, despite legal requirements.
Water loss from the supply network remains a critical issue, with unbilled water reaching up to 70% in some areas. Kikas also flagged concerns over private dams, noting that some lack final inspection certificates and have never been evaluated.
Regarding desalination plants, the report acknowledged their contribution to water supply but cited environmental and financial drawbacks. The facilities increase electricity and water costs for consumers and contribute to marine degradation, particularly in the Famagusta region.
“If desalination becomes the sole source of water, the cost to consumers will rise significantly,” Kikas said.