Nicosia, Cyprus. The Nicosia district government organisation EOA signed a memorandum of cooperation with Israeli national water company Mekorot on Tuesday to support the sustainable management of water resources.
The agreement will focus on reducing untaxed water, sewerage management and flood prevention through the exchange of knowledge and best practices.
Water management priorities
Nicosia EOA president Constantinos Yiorkadjis said all countries in the region had a responsibility to protect water resources.
He said the organisation continued to invest in modern infrastructure, digital transformation and innovation to ensure reliable, high-quality and viable water supply services.
A principal objective of the memorandum is to further reduce untaxed water, which stands at about 20 per cent. Yiorkadjis said this was the lowest rate among Cyprus’ districts and below the European Union average.
Exchange of expertise
Yiorkadjis said Mekorot had experience in desalination, water reuse, smart supply networks and advanced water technology.
Through the cooperation, the two organisations will exchange best practices aimed at improving services for residents, he said.
The memorandum provides for discussions to identify areas of focus, with priorities including reducing untaxed water, managing sewerage systems and addressing flooding.
Shared challenges
Mekorot chief executive Barak Graber said Cyprus and Israel shared the same climate, a responsibility to secure water supplies for their populations and the Mediterranean as a common water source.
He said the memorandum would allow both sides to identify key challenges, establish priorities and develop appropriate solutions through a comprehensive approach.
Israeli ambassador in Nicosia Oren Anolik said cooperation between Cyprus and Israel was strong across several sectors, adding that water management was an area in which collaboration could benefit people.
“This is not just an environmental challenge. It is a financial and strategic challenge,” Anolik said.
He said Israel had developed expertise in water management and noted that Mekorot had previously contributed to projects in Cyprus, including desalination plants in Larnaca and Limassol.
