**Cabinet Approves Three New Permanent Desalination Plants to Combat Water Shortages**
In a significant move to address ongoing water shortages in Cyprus, the Cabinet has approved the establishment of three new permanent desalination plants. The decision, made on Wednesday, aims to reduce the country’s reliance on reservoir water supplies, which have been under increasing pressure due to low rainfall and depleted water resources.
The new desalination plants will be strategically located in Dhekelia, Ayia Thekla, and Polis Chrysochous. The Dhekelia facility is set to be the largest of the three, with a daily production capacity of 80,000 cubic metres of water. The Ayia Thekla plant will contribute an additional 30,000 cubic metres per day, while the Polis Chrysochous unit is expected to produce 10,000 cubic metres daily. Together, these three plants will significantly enhance the island's water supply, complementing an already planned permanent desalination plant in Limassol, which will have a capacity of 60,000 cubic metres per day. Collectively, the four facilities are projected to deliver a total of 180,000 cubic metres of fresh water each day.
This decision follows a comprehensive reassessment of desalination projects that have faced delays since 2024. The government has recognized the urgent need to bolster desalination capacity in light of the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and fluctuating rainfall patterns, which have resulted in dwindling reservoir levels.
In addition to the approval of the new plants, the Cabinet has also made adjustments to previous plans regarding desalination efforts. Notably, the proposed mobile desalination unit in Ayia Napa has been cancelled and replaced by the permanent facility at Ayia Thekla. Furthermore, plans for a floating desalination unit in Yermasoyia have been postponed, with the Cabinet indicating that its necessity will be re-evaluated in the future based on water demand, available reserves, and financial considerations.
The Cabinet's commitment to enhancing the island's water supply is underscored by its agreement in principle to a long-term desalination strategy that extends to the year 2050. The Water Development Department (WDD) will undertake a strategic study to explore the viability of various desalination projects, including a scenario in which Cyprus could potentially meet all of its water needs through desalinated sources.
The introduction of these new desalination plants marks a pivotal step in Cyprus's efforts to secure a sustainable and reliable water supply for its residents and industries. As the country continues to grapple with the impacts of climate variability, the expansion of desalination infrastructure is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring water availability for the future.