Kato Pyrgos, Cyprus. The Kato Pyrgos dam in Tylliria overflowed on Monday after days of rain saw it reach full capacity over the weekend. Local and government officials said the overflow followed cleaning works completed in October.
Overflow follows completed cleaning works
Kato Pyrgos mayor Nikos Kleanthous said authorities were satisfied with the overflow, noting that cleaning work was completed three months ago. He said the works in October marked the first time the dam had been cleaned since its construction under British colonial rule in 1957.
Kleanthous said at least 90,000 cubic meters of bearing materials inside the dam were removed, resulting in an increase in the dam’s water capacity.
Ministry cites cooperation and investment
The agriculture ministry confirmed the dam’s overflow and described it as an example of successful cooperation between relevant bodies aimed at restoring the dam’s ability to accumulate and retain water. The ministry said the dam was cleaned of sediment after decades so it could once again collect and store water.
The ministry said the cost of irrigation projects to support primary production and the sustainable management of water resources totalled €1.15 million in 2025. It added that the current condition of the dam shows that with planning, cooperation and political will, long-standing problems can be resolved.
What do you think this dam overflow indicates about the impact of maintenance on water storage capacity?