Cyprus Launches Over €1 Billion Water Infrastructure Initiative
National Project Plan Approved for Enhanced Sustainability
The Cypriot Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, headed by Minister Maria Panagiotou, announced today the approval of the National Water Project Plan by the Council of Ministers. This plan, devised by the Department of Water Development, represents the first of its kind and entails a comprehensive approach to prioritize water projects based on documented needs and to better allocate water resources within a framework of rational fiscal management.
Minister Panagiotou highlighted that the plan ensures a proper prioritization of projects, enabling the effective use of water resources and better implementation of sewage systems across Cyprus. She mentioned that this approach ensures a nationwide distribution to meet various needs while prioritizing financial feasibility.
Additionally, the Minister noted that the National Plan lists the water projects of the Department and other drainage entities in order of priority, with a total budget of €1.17 billion. Priority projects include 33 water infrastructure works—encompassing water supply, sewage treatment, reclaimed water, and irrigation—valued at approximately €721.8 million, scheduled for completion between 2024 and 2029.
Another set of 60 projects, valued at €445 million, are under evaluation, with a projected start and completion timeline of 2025 to 2030. Through this investment plan, the government aims to achieve goals set in its Governance Program concerning water sufficiency and reclaimed water utilization. This plan lays the groundwork for establishing a long-term government water policy, strengthening water and wastewater management.