In response to an escalating water crisis, the Cypriot government has approved a fifth emergency package aimed at alleviating severe shortages across the island. The latest measures include the deployment of three mobile desalination units to bolster water supply, particularly in areas most affected by drought.
The government acknowledged that dam reserves have dropped to historic lows—around 10% of capacity—leaving many farmers without access to irrigation. Boreholes are drying up, and recycled water can only meet a fraction of demand. Permanent crops are being lost, and seasonal planting has become nearly impossible.
Critics argue that the crisis stems not only from adverse weather but also from years of governmental inaction. Of 60 water infrastructure projects planned over the past decade, only 14 have been completed. Key irrigation networks remain unfinished, and millions of cubic meters of treated water go unused due to a lack of distribution infrastructure.
The new package includes:
- Accelerated installation of desalination units
- Promotion of drought-resistant crops
- Investment in efficient irrigation systems
- Upgrades to water distribution networks
- Expanded rainwater harvesting initiatives
The government has urged immediate implementation to mitigate the crisis’s impact on agriculture and public water supply.
(Source: Parikiaki)