Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ finance ministry said on Tuesday that €230 million worth of projects are underway to improve sustainable water management and strengthen the island’s resilience to drought. The projects are co-financed by the EU under the Cohesion Policy Programme Thaleia 2021-2027, alongside state funds and contributions from district self-government organisations.
Programme scope and priorities
The ministry said the projects focus on investments in infrastructure and technology, and on the sustainable management of water resources and wastewater, as part of a broader strategic plan to address increasing pressure on natural resources.
“Tackling water scarcity and managing water and wastewater are issues of the highest national importance, with direct impacts on both development and quality of life,” the ministry said.
The programme includes the construction of new reservoirs and pipelines, the replacement of ageing networks, and the use of smart technologies to detect and reduce losses. It also places emphasis on wastewater infrastructure and the reuse of treated water.
Seven major projects
The plan centres on seven major projects, including a €31 million scheme to transfer potable water from the Dhekelia desalination plant to the Kokkinokremmos hill to improve supply reliability in the Famagusta district, including Paralimni-Deryneia and Ayia Napa, as well as Xylofagou and Ormidia in Larnaca. The project is expected to be completed in 2028 and is intended to provide an alternative water source and storage capacity for up to 48 hours during peak tourist periods.
A €46 million project in Nicosia will transfer water from the Vasilikos desalination plant to urban and suburban areas, including Kotsiatis, Margi and Analiontas. The project includes four storage tanks, three pumping stations and 65 kilometres of pipelines, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2028, creating a third independent water source for the district.
Another project is a €25 million recycled water dam in Tersefanou with a capacity of four million cubic metres. It will store surplus treated water from the Larnaca wastewater treatment plant during winter for use in drier periods, with completion expected in early 2027.
The third phase of the Larnaca sewerage system, budgeted at €84 million, includes the construction of around 160 kilometres of sewage networks and pumping stations in Dromolaxia-Meneou, Kiti and Pervolia. The project is due for completion in 2027 and is expected to reduce pollution risks to groundwater and coastal ecosystems.
Which of the projects do you think will have the biggest impact on Cyprus’ water supply reliability?
