Nicosia – Cyprus is facing mounting water management challenges, with lawmakers raising alarm over outdated infrastructure, poor recycling efforts, and inefficient policies during a heated session of the House Audit Committee on Thursday.
The session focused on a recent Audit Office report assessing the country’s water resource strategy in the face of climate change.
Key Issues Raised:
- Excessive water losses, particularly in rural areas
- Old and deteriorating pipelines
- Low usage of recycled water
- Inconsistent water pricing among districts
- Heavy reliance on fossil fuels for desalination
- Water theft via illegal underground connections
Delays in Desalination Deployment
Committee members voiced concerns over 13 mobile desalination units donated by the UAE, which may face delays in becoming operational.
Andreas Gregoriou, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, reassured MPs that the ministry is actively working to solve technical and administrative issues delaying the integration of these units.
Recycling and Renewable Energy Urged
Audit Office representative Akis Kikas stressed that Cyprus urgently needs to increase its use of recycled water to avoid unnecessary discharges into the sea. He also emphasized the importance of transitioning desalination plants to renewable energy to reduce operational costs and environmental impact.
“Water is a basic human right. But preventing waste is equally important — pricing policy is one of the tools we must improve,” Kikas said.
He also criticized the current irrigation policy, which does not support climate-resilient crops or modern agricultural practices.
Aging Systems, Missing Policies
MPs criticized years of inaction and neglect.
Committee chairman Zacharias Koulias said Cyprus’ entire water supply system has been left “to its own devices” for decades, adding:
“The noose is now tightening.”
Greens MP Charalambos Theopemptou added:
“We keep repeating past mistakes and ignoring crucial reforms.”
The Takeaway
The Audit Committee’s session highlighted an urgent need for modernization, equitable water pricing, and sustainable resource management. With increasing climate pressures and growing public concern, Cyprus must act quickly to secure its water future.