Fears of a severe water crisis this summer have prompted urgent calls for action from Limassol’s water board, which urged the agriculture ministry to take immediate measures. Officials warn that if preparations are not taken in time, there might be significant consequences as the situation worsens due to a prolonged drought and running low reservoirs.
Following an emergency council meeting, the Limassol water board expressed grave concerns about the region’s dwindling water reserves. It highlighted that, should the current conditions persist, water shortages during the summer months are almost inevitable.
The board urged the ministry to prioritise safeguarding the remaining water stored in reservoirs for essential household and business supply. This, they stressed, would prevent a breakdown in the area’s water distribution system.
A key demand was to accelerate the construction and expansion of desalination plants. The board pointed to the glaring shortfall in the Episkopi desalination plant’s capacity, which produces 40,000 cubic metres daily, less than half the 90,000 cubic metres required during peak summer months.
“Action must be taken to bridge the daily gap of 50,000 cubic metres,” the statement emphasised.
Additionally, the council called for improvements in water supply and irrigation networks to reduce losses in areas currently outside the Limassol water board’s jurisdiction but expected to be integrated soon.
The board also warned that failure to act could have severe repercussions on Cyprus’ economy and essential sectors.
“Only by taking action today can we avert significant problems in the coming months,” it said, urging the ministry to secure the country’s water resources without delay.
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