**Water Management ‘Scattered’ Across Ministries, EOA Chief Says**
Cyprus is in urgent need of a centralized and independent authority to oversee its water resources, according to Constantinos Yiorkadjis, the chief of the Nicosia district local government organization (EOA). Speaking before the House agriculture committee on Tuesday, Yiorkadjis criticized the current fragmented management of water resources, which he described as “scattered among ministries.”
During the session, Yiorkadjis presented a proposal advocating for the establishment of a unified authority, a suggestion that has been put forward collectively by all EOAs. This proposal aims to streamline the management of water resources, which Yiorkadjis emphasized is one of the most valuable assets for Cyprus.
“The responsibilities for the management of water are currently divided among various ministries, leading to inefficiencies and challenges in resource allocation and management,” Yiorkadjis stated. He highlighted that the lack of a cohesive authority complicates the oversight of critical aspects of water management, including supply, sanitation, irrigation, pricing, and infrastructure investment.
In addition to the call for a unified authority, Yiorkadjis raised concerns regarding the logistics of water delivery from the Water Development Department (WDD) to the EOAs. He pointed out that water is frequently delivered to locations that are one or two kilometers away from the organizations’ storage tanks. This practice not only incurs additional costs due to leaks and the maintenance of infrastructure that the district bodies do not own but also places financial burdens on the EOAs.
“The district organizations, being financially independent, are forced to bear extra costs and taxes while the state benefits from these inefficiencies,” Yiorkadjis remarked. He insisted that water should be delivered directly to the EOAs' storage tanks to alleviate these issues.
Yiorkadjis has previously advocated for a comprehensive authority to manage the entire water supply chain. He noted that the recent severe weather events have highlighted the deficiencies in the existing infrastructure, particularly the lack of a unified network of rainwater pipes. Historically, municipalities have been responsible for maintaining their own networks, which has led to inconsistencies and vulnerabilities.
In response to the challenges posed by recent storms, the Nicosia EOA has identified several problematic areas in Engomi. Officials are currently updating existing studies and commissioning a more thorough assessment to address these issues. Repair and reinforcement work on the culvert in Digenis Akritas, located between Vasilopotamos and Kotsirkas, is scheduled to commence next month, with an estimated cost of €2.3 million. Additionally, a study on stormwater drains between Lakatamia and Strovolos, near the Apoel stadium, is underway, with construction expected to begin early next year.
To enhance cooperation and resource sharing during emergencies, discussions are ongoing between the EOA and various municipalities across the Nicosia district. These discussions aim to formalize agreements regarding the use of machinery and pumping equipment.
In terms of funding for maintenance and repair work, a minimum fee of €0.05 per thousand has been implemented for rainwater pipes, which is projected to generate around €2 million annually.
On the topic of water sufficiency, Yiorkadjis expressed support for the government’s plans to establish three new desalination units. However, he cautioned that simply increasing water production is insufficient. He called for a broader strategy to address the significant loss of rainwater to the sea and underground each year, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to water management in Cyprus.
As discussions continue regarding the future of water management in Cyprus, the establishment of a unified authority appears to be a critical step toward ensuring sustainable and efficient use of the island's water resources.