**Nicosia EOA Signs Water Management Agreement with Israel’s Mekorot**
Nicosia, Cyprus – In a significant step towards sustainable water management, the Nicosia district government organization, EOA, has entered into a memorandum of cooperation with Mekorot, Israel’s national water company. The agreement, signed on Tuesday, emphasizes the shared responsibility of regional countries to protect and manage water resources effectively.
Constantinos Yiorkadjis, president of Nicosia EOA, highlighted the organization’s ongoing commitment to enhancing water supply services through investments in advanced infrastructure, digital transformation, and innovative technologies. He noted that one of the key goals of the new memorandum is to further reduce the amount of untaxed water, which currently stands at approximately 20 percent in Nicosia. This figure is notably the lowest among Cypriot districts and below the European Union average.
“The collaboration with Mekorot will enable us to exchange best practices and leverage their expertise in areas such as desalination, water reuse, and smart supply networks,” Yiorkadjis stated. He emphasized that these efforts would ultimately lead to improved services for residents in the region.
The memorandum outlines a framework for both organizations to share insights and identify priority areas for cooperation. Key focus points include reducing untaxed water, managing sewerage systems, and addressing flooding issues. This collaborative approach aims to develop comprehensive solutions to the challenges facing water management in the region.
Barak Graber, CEO of Mekorot, underscored the importance of this partnership, noting that both Cyprus and Israel share similar climatic conditions and face comparable challenges in securing reliable water supplies. He remarked that their shared Mediterranean water source creates a unique context for collaboration in water management.
“Through this memorandum, we will work together to identify the main challenges, set priorities, and develop appropriate solutions,” Graber said, emphasizing a holistic approach to water resource management.
Israeli Ambassador to Cyprus, Oren Anolik, expressed optimism about the cooperation between the two countries, highlighting that collaboration in the water sector could yield significant benefits for both nations. He described water management as not merely an environmental issue but also a financial and strategic challenge. Anolik pointed out that Israel has developed a unique expertise in maximizing water resources, ensuring that every drop is utilized efficiently.
The ambassador also noted that Mekorot has previously contributed to several projects in Cyprus, including the establishment of desalination plants in Larnaca and Limassol. This ongoing collaboration has been instrumental in enhancing Cyprus’s water supply capabilities.
Eliana Tofa, director of Cyprus’ Water Development Department, reaffirmed the long-standing partnership with Mekorot, which has been in place since 2015. Tofa acknowledged the valuable support provided by Mekorot in the field of desalination, further solidifying the importance of international cooperation in addressing water scarcity issues.
The signing of this memorandum marks a pivotal moment in the efforts to improve water management practices in Nicosia and highlights the potential for further collaboration between Cyprus and Israel in the future. As both countries face similar environmental challenges, their partnership could serve as a model for regional cooperation in sustainable resource management.