**Nicosia District Government Partners with Thessaloniki Water Company for Geographic Information Systems Expertise**
The Nicosia district government has entered into a significant partnership with the Thessaloniki water supply and sewerage company, known as Eyath, to enhance its capabilities in geographic information systems (GIS). A contract worth €257,699 was signed on Tuesday, marking the beginning of a 38-month collaboration aimed at improving water management and infrastructure in the Nicosia area.
The agreement focuses on leveraging Eyath's expertise to develop a comprehensive geospatial database and infrastructure for GIS. This technology integrates various computer hardware and software systems that allow for the storage, management, analysis, editing, output, and visualization of geographic data. The initiative is expected to streamline operations and improve decision-making processes within the Nicosia district government.
District governor Constantinos Yiorkadjis expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “For the Nicosia district government, the digital transformation is the means to better manage our infrastructure, make faster and more informed decisions, and respond effectively to people’s needs.” He emphasized that the collaboration with Eyath would facilitate the creation of modern infrastructure necessary for efficient network management.
Eyath's chief executive officer, Anthimos Amanatidis, highlighted the mutual benefits of the partnership, stating, “This is a cooperation on a mutual basis.” He noted that Eyath is eager to support the Nicosia district government while also looking forward to utilizing Nicosia's technological advancements. Amanatidis expressed confidence that this partnership would not only thrive but could also expand into other areas in the future.
The collaboration comes at a time when Eyath is undergoing its own expansion. Recently, the Greek parliament passed legislation that broadens the company's responsibilities and geographical coverage, allowing it to serve not only Thessaloniki but also the entire Thessaloniki regional unit and the neighboring Chalkidiki region. This expansion includes new responsibilities for irrigation and the management of the region's rainwater network, alongside extending its exclusive rights to provide water and sewerage services until 2038.
As part of the new law, the governance structure of Eyath will also see changes, with one member of its board of directors nominated by the regional union of municipalities of central Macedonia. This adjustment reflects a broader commitment to regional collaboration and governance in water management.
The partnership between the Nicosia district government and Eyath represents a strategic move towards modernizing water management practices in Cyprus. By integrating advanced geographic information systems, both parties aim to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency, ultimately benefiting the residents of Nicosia.