The projects planned by the Water Development Department (WDD) to address water scarcity in the Limassol district are progressing normally and without any slowdown, despite the beneficial rainfall in March.
The Director of the WDD, Eliana Tofa Christidou, stated in an interview with “Entrepreneurial Limassol” that water reserves remain precarious, particularly in the Southern Pipeline system. She also emphasized that strengthening desalination capacity is a central pillar of the water strategy, aiming to meet water supply needs independently of weather conditions.
Referring specifically to Limassol, she noted that it is a high-priority area due to increased urban and tourist demand.
A positive development is the operation of the mobile desalination unit at Limassol Port, which became fully operational at the end of March, supplying the water system with 10,000 cubic meters per day. According to the WDD Director, the unit is operating on a trial basis and is under close monitoring.
Regarding the mobile desalination unit in Garyllis, Ms. Tofa Christidou stated that delays occurred in the contractor’s schedule, as it was initially expected to be operational in March. “The war intervened, and the main contractor is from Israel, which caused delays in the supply of certain materials,” she explained. She added that the installation of the unit and associated works continues, albeit at a slower pace and with some uncertainty regarding completion time. However, she expressed hope that the delay would not be significant, based on current data.
Concerning the additional desalination unit in Episkopi, Ms. Tofa Christidou mentioned that the tender has already been awarded, with a contractor in place since mid-February. “Preparatory works have started, and so far the project seems to be progressing on schedule,” she noted. According to the contract, implementation is expected within seven months, while ancillary works, such as the construction of a pipeline and a substation for EAC, are also underway. She estimated that the unit will start supplying water within the next six months.
Regarding the Council of Ministers’ decision to install a floating desalination unit in the Germasogeia sea area, the WDD had proceeded with a fast-track negotiation process with contractors who had expressed interest during a previous market consultation. However, as Ms. Tofa stated, the process was unsuccessful. Therefore, an open tender will be announced in the near future, with the expectation of greater interest from economic operators capable of implementing the project. The goal is, if the process is successful, for the unit to contribute to the water balance by 2027.
Finally, referring to the possibility of installing small desalination units in hotels, the WDD Director noted that since 2008, during the previous major water crisis, a relevant unit has been operating in a five-star hotel (Four Seasons) to meet its needs. She added that applications have also been submitted by other hotels, with one already at an advanced stage, foreseeing synergies with the existing unit.
“We want to see more hoteliers take advantage of this plan. The Council of Ministers’ decision has been publicly presented, and guidelines have been provided to the Hotel Association and organized groups across all districts. Nevertheless, interest remains limited, despite simplified procedures and faster licensing. There appears to be caution, but hoteliers should weigh the benefits, such as securing a stable water source regardless of weather conditions or other failures,” concluded Ms. Tofa Christidou.
