**Yiorkadjis Advocates for Comprehensive Water Management Strategy in Cyprus**
In a recent statement, Constantinos Yiorkadjis, president of the Nicosia district government organisation (EOA), emphasized the urgent need for Cyprus to adopt a modern and unified water management strategy. He argued that the focus should not solely be on whether it will rain next winter, but rather on the island's preparedness to ensure water adequacy for future generations.
Yiorkadjis highlighted that Cyprus possesses the necessary infrastructure and expertise to implement a comprehensive national water strategy. He described water as not just a vital natural resource, but also a crucial element of environmental sustainability and national security. "It is a foundation for development and social cohesion," he stated, stressing that effective water management requires unified planning, clear responsibilities, and a long-term vision.
Central to Yiorkadjis's proposal is the establishment of a unified water management authority. This authority would be tasked with overseeing the country's water resources, coordinating various organizations involved in water management, and drafting relevant policies. He envisions this body as having true administrative, financial, and operational independence, which would enhance transparency and accountability in decision-making processes.
The proposed authority would develop a comprehensive plan that incorporates all aspects of water management, including reservoirs, desalination units, irrigation networks, recycled water, rainwater, and underground resources. Yiorkadjis also suggested implementing an invoicing policy designed to protect average households and vulnerable groups, while simultaneously discouraging unnecessary water consumption.
Yiorkadjis pointed out that the current fragmented approach to water management in Cyprus complicates coordination among various districts, each with its own unique needs. He argued that strategic planning should not only focus on consumption management but also extend to infrastructure development. He noted that while future water needs are often predictable, the pace of necessary investments is slow, resulting in a shift from preventive management to crisis management.
Addressing misconceptions about water availability, Yiorkadjis stated that there are significant water resources in Cyprus that remain underutilized. He cited examples of sewerage treatment plants in Nicosia, such as those in Vathia Gonia, Anthoupoli, and Mia Milia, which collectively produce around 17 million cubic meters of water annually. However, only 24 percent of this treated water is used for irrigation, with the remaining 76 percent flowing into natural water recipients like reservoirs and rivers.
On a broader scale, Yiorkadjis revealed that Cyprus produces approximately 45 million cubic meters of water each year, but only 40 percent is utilized, leaving 60 percent to flow into natural recipients. He emphasized that rainwater, in particular, is one of the most underrated and underexploited resources on the island.
Yiorkadjis's call for a comprehensive water strategy aligns with practices adopted by 15 EU member states, including Greece, which have implemented similar policies to regulate and supervise their water sectors. He believes that Cyprus can learn from these examples to improve its own water management practices.
As discussions on water management continue, Yiorkadjis's insights underscore the importance of proactive measures to ensure the sustainability of this vital resource in Cyprus. With a focus on strategic planning and unified governance, he advocates for a future where water management is not merely reactive but anticipatory, safeguarding the needs of both current and future generations.