A new pipeline running through the UN buffer zone will be able to transfer up to 20,000 cubic metres of treated water a day for irrigation in areas under the control of the Republic of Cyprus, as part of a major upgrade to Nicosia’s sewerage infrastructure.
The Nicosia District Local Government Organisation (EOA) said the Trunk 1 Sewer Reconstruction – UN Buffer Zone project will reconstruct an existing main sewage pipeline while also improving the use of treated wastewater as a valuable water resource.
Main sewer pipeline to be rebuilt
The project involves rebuilding approximately 700 metres of the existing main sewage pipeline running through the buffer zone.
The section forms a continuation of the pipeline on Markou Botsari Street, leading towards the Nicosia Bi-Communal Wastewater Treatment Plant at Mia Milia.
Alongside the sewer reconstruction, a separate pipeline will be installed to transport tertiary-treated water from the treatment plant back to areas controlled by the Republic for agricultural irrigation.
The new infrastructure will have capacity to transport up to 20,000 cubic metres of treated water every day.
€1.97m contract signed
The project's kick-off meeting and an on-site inspection took place on 11 September 2026, with the participation of the main organisations involved.
The construction contract, valued at €1,967,499, was signed on 25 August 2026 between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Ikaros Eleftheriou Constructions Ltd.
According to EOA Nicosia, construction is expected to begin in approximately two months, after the required materials and pipes have been delivered.
The contractual construction period is four months, with the project expected to be completed around the end of February 2027.
Continuation of earlier infrastructure work
The project follows work initiated by EOA Nicosia in 2025 to replace the central sewage pipeline running from the end of Markou Botsari Street, past the Nicosia industrial area, to the bi-communal wastewater treatment plant in Mia Milia.
At the initiative of EOA Nicosia, the project was expanded to include a pipeline returning treated water as far as the Markou Botsari Street embankment.
The returned water, with capacity of up to 20,000 cubic metres per day, will then be available for irrigation.
Addressing water shortages
EOA Nicosia said the reuse of treated wastewater supports its objectives for sustainable development and the circular economy, while providing an additional resource to help address Cyprus’ water scarcity problems.
The overall project is also intended to make fuller use of the existing capacity of the bi-communal treatment plant, improve the management of water resources and modernise sewerage infrastructure across the Nicosia district.
The organisation said the project also demonstrates the importance of coordination between the competent authorities and cooperation between the two communities, with the focus on serving the wider public interest.
Source: CNA
