President Nikos Christodoulides inaugurated two new water reservoirs, "Cleo" and "Erato", in Nicosia on Monday, describing the project as crucial for the country’s water security. The reservoirs, part of the Nicosia District Local Government Organisation, have a combined capacity of 17,200 cubic metres.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Christodoulides outlined the Government’s broader water strategy, noting that water consumption in Cyprus is among the highest in the European Union, with some areas exceeding 500 litres per person per day. Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, also attended the event.
Climate change
The President described the reservoirs as “of decisive strategic importance” for Nicosia, significantly improving the capital’s water sufficiency to cover more than 36 hours even in the event of supply interruptions. “These reservoirs enhance our ability to store and safely supply water to areas of very high demand,” he said.
Highlighting the effects of climate change, President Christodoulides noted that Cyprus is in one of the regions most affected by rising temperatures and declining rainfall. “Periods of drought are more frequent,” he added, pointing out that the 2024-2025 water year ranks among the driest in Cyprus since 1902.
The government’s water security strategy has three pillars: increasing water supply through unconventional sources, improving and expanding storage and distribution infrastructure, and reducing demand through increased water awareness. Mobile and small-scale desalination plants are key to the first pillar, and the Government aims for around 80% of water needs to be met by desalinated water, in cooperation with the United Arab Emirates.
Water Awareness
President Christodoulides also stressed that over €200 million will be invested in water projects from 2024 to 2030, the largest such investment in Cyprus to date. The funds will support network maintenance, modernisation, and loss reduction, addressing areas where up to 40% of water is currently lost.
He emphasised the importance of water awareness, noting the impact of excessive consumption on the primary sector and farmers, and set a target for a 10% reduction in water usage.
Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Nicosia District Local Government Organisation, Constantinos Yiorkadjis, described the new reservoirs as strategic infrastructure essential for water security. He highlighted the need to create reserves, reduce network losses, and ensure uninterrupted water supply for communities, households, schools, and businesses.
The €2.13 million project, financed by the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility, uses innovative glass-lined steel technology for durability, flexibility, low maintenance, and thermal insulation.