A well-informed source with thorough knowledge of the ongoing developments told “Entrepreneurial Limassol” that, with the procedures already in motion and the efforts made by the responsible State Services, water supply interruptions to hotels, industries, and households — both in the Limassol district and nationwide — are expected to be avoided. The source specifically stated that the responsible services are working based on pre-established scenarios to mitigate the extent of the drought problem, which we are facing for the third consecutive year, and that the goal is to avoid cutbacks. They also expressed hope that this objective will be achieved.
Regarding the procedures specifically for Limassol, our information indicates that the proposal submitted by the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) for the construction of a new desalination unit with a capacity of 40,000 cubic meters per day next to the existing unit in Vasilikos is under evaluation. The primary issue under consideration is the ability of the water network to absorb the additional output, and a decision is expected soon.
As for the installation of mobile desalination units from the United Arab Emirates, it was stated that three Water Development Department (WDD) crews are working in shifts to connect them and provide water as soon as possible. The goal is to achieve this within June, which is a challenging target, as it is a technically complex process involving a significant volume of work. However, it is progressing rapidly, as we were told. If all goes well, the production of desalinated water will begin either by the end of June or in early July.
Regarding the installation of a desalination unit with a capacity of 10,000 cubic meters in the riverbed of the Garylis River, it was reported that a contract has been awarded to a company, but an appeal has been filed with the Tenders Review Authority. According to our information, due to the emergency situation concerning water resources, the Committee has been asked to handle the matter urgently, and it is expected that it will be resolved soon.
For the installation of another 10,000 cubic meter desalination unit near the Limassol Port, bids have been submitted by interested companies and are currently under evaluation to award the project. As for the planned increase in production at the existing desalination plant in Episkopi or the construction of another unit next to it, this is expected to be implemented by 2026. Regarding the new Grant Scheme for Hotel Units wishing to install private desalination units in Limassol, our well-informed source said that the "Amathus" hotel already has such a unit. Only one application has been submitted in Limassol for this year’s opportunity. However, there is strong interest from hotels to install small desalination units next year, after the end of the tourist season.
It should be noted that currently, the dams are at about 21.3% capacity, meaning that all major dams in Cyprus hold approximately 62 million cubic meters of water — an amount estimated to be sufficient to meet the needs of 2025, provided we consume water prudently. According to the Limassol District Local Government Organisation, during the summer months, the region requires around 90,000 cubic meters of water daily, while the existing desalination unit in Episkopi can produce up to 40,000 cubic meters per day.
“If there are no other water sources, a daily shortfall of around 50,000 cubic meters is recorded.” This shortfall can be covered through the use of the mobile desalination units from the United Arab Emirates. Also considered particularly important is the decision concerning 100% state funding for projects aimed at reducing water losses in the supply networks of the District Local Authorities. In the first phase, €8 million will be allocated in 2025 to also support communities in implementing similar water-loss-reduction projects in their local networks.
