By 6 August, 12 out of the 13 desalination units handed over to Cyprus by the United Arab Emirates were operational, while the last one will soon be put into operation, according to a press release issued on by the Water Development Department.
In its 10 August press release, the Department assured that the implementation of measures to tackle drought is progressing rapidly, noting that mobile desalination units are already operational, and new ones are coming by 2026 to enhance the water balance and address the impacts of prolonged dry periods.
Specifically, it mentioned that in Kissonerga, the first unit with a capacity of 1,000 cubic meters per day has been operating since early August, while the second unit of the same capacity is expected within days.
Furthermore, it added that by the end of September, units with a capacity of 5,000 cubic meters per day will be added, and by the end of October, an additional 5,000 cubic meters per day.
Also, in Moni, at the site of the Cyprus Electricity Authority's Power Station, units with a total capacity of 15,000 cubic meters per day, granted by the United Arab Emirates, have been installed.
According to the Department, the projects were completed within two months, and since July 22, their gradual operation has begun, with 12 out of the 13 units already operating by August 6.
It emphasised that the last unit will soon be put into operation.
Beyond desalination, it is stated that interventions to strengthen water supply are being implemented, such as the drilling of new wells and loss reduction projects in the networks of the District Local Governments worth €10.5 million, as well as in communities worth €3 million.
Additionally, the Department noted that a Grant Scheme worth €3 million is underway for small private desalination units, with 6 out of 12 applications already approved.
Moreover, it added that with the aim of reducing waste, an application has been launched, developed by the Intelligent Water Systems team of the Center of Excellence for Research and Innovation "Koios" at the University of Cyprus.
"The application helps households calculate and reduce water consumption, while the law for conservation has been modernised with stricter regulations against reckless use. At the same time, a major public awareness campaign is underway in cooperation with the Press and Information Office," it stated.
Regarding the next steps, it noted that the mobile desalination unit at Garylli Limassol is expected to be installed within four months, aiming to operate by December 2025, while installation at Limassol port will be completed by January 2026.
At the same time, the installation of new units with a total capacity of 10,000 cubic meters per day in Limassol, Larnaca, and Famagusta is being considered, and the aim is for them to operate before the summer of 2026.
The Department stressed that the water issue "is a continuous challenge that requires constant effort and responsible management."
In conclusion, it stated that "even with the implementation of all measures leading to a permanent solution, saving and rational use of water by citisens remain crucial factors to ensure sufficiency and sustainable protection of water for current and future generations."
(Source: CNA)
