Three Mobile Desalination Units in Cyprus by Summer 2025
G. Kazantzis Discusses the Water Development Department’s Projects and How the Drought Issue Will Be Addressed.
The Water Development Department is progressing with projects aimed at addressing drought and upgrading the reliability and safety of the water supply network. These initiatives are part of and beyond the National Investment Plan, valued at €1.17 billion.
G. Kazantzis, the Deputy Director of the Water Development Department, explained the current stage of the department's upgrade projects. He also discussed the plans for implementing three mobile desalination units by 2025, alongside permanent desalination units in the long term.
Regarding the mobile desalination units, Kazantzis explained that this is something under consideration, and there is a plan to install them by the summer of 2025. He added that the planning is still in the early stages, so it is not yet certain that this initiative will be realized.
Kazantzis emphasized that the department is making efforts to install three mobile desalination units. "The small mobile seawater desalination units are three in number. We are trying to find suitable locations, then order and install them. There are technical difficulties, and we are working to overcome them to see if we can install them by next year. These are purely drought mitigation plans to ensure as much as possible that water supply needs are met," he noted.
As for the large seawater desalination units, Kazantzis explained that the department is planning to install two more units. However, he noted that these are long-term projects.
"The work has not yet begun. We are at the stage of finding locations for the units. The next phase will involve technical and economic studies, followed by construction. This is a long-term project. We are examining two units, and more may be added in the future," he stated.
It is worth noting that Cyprus already has five desalination units, specifically:
Kazantzis initially mentioned that the first phase of the Vasilikos–Nicosia water project has been completed, including installations in Choirokoitia, Stavrovouni, Nisou, Kampia, Stavrovouni-Nisou, and Nisou-Nicosia. The construction of reservoirs in Choirokoitia and Stavrovouni, as well as a pumping station in Nisou, has also been completed.
The tender for the construction of a pumping station in Kofinou, reservoirs in Kampia and Analiontas, and a pumping station in Analiontas is expected to be announced within 2025.
Regarding the project in the Kokkinokremmos area, Kazantzis mentioned that the contract for the supply of pipes and fittings has already been signed, with delivery expected in September. Additionally, a tender for water reservoirs and the chlorination network is expected to be announced in the first quarter of 2025.
Kazantzis also noted that a tender for the first phase of replacing the Choirokoitia-Famagusta pipeline is expected to be announced in October.
The installation of water treatment facilities in Tersefanou was completed in March 2024, while the contract for the Asprokremmos treatment plant was recently signed and has a duration of 12 months. The contract for the Limassol treatment plant is expected to be signed in September–October and will also last for 12 months, Kazantzis explained.
For the chlorine units, the contract is for the same project, while the contract for the Kornos treatment plant was signed on June 28 and has a duration of 7 months.
"The tenders for the treatment plants in Limassol, Asprokremmos, Tersefanou, and Kannaviou are expected to be announced in October, with a duration of 7 months," Kazantzis explained. As for the expansion of the Asprokremmos treatment plant, the tender was announced on August 13, with a contract duration of eight months.
Kazantzis explained that these are not projects that will increase water supply. Instead, they aim to enhance the reliability and safety of the water supply network and improve its management so that water can be more reliably managed and supplied to all cities and communities in Cyprus.
He also emphasized that these are important projects that are not intended to alter the water balance, and they are part of the National Investment Plan.
Kazantzis added that around thirty projects are currently underway, with more expected to follow.
