• The government has approved significant funding to upgrade the water supply network of the Ammochostos district, aiming to reduce water losses.

• A fund of €2.3 million was approved for repairing damages in Paralimni, Deryneia, and Ayia Napa, as well as €300,000 for immediate interventions.

• An additional state grant amounting to €2.5 million is planned for the replacement of the main water supply pipeline from Kokkinokremmos toward Ayia Napa.

• The network of free Ammochostos faces severe issues due to its age, with total drinking water losses reaching 36%.

• Future infrastructure modernization projects also include the installation of smart water meters for the more efficient management of the district's water resources.

The government has recently proceeded with the approval of millions in funding for improvement projects concerning the water supply network of the Ammochostos district.

The projects concern, among other things, ensuring an uninterrupted water supply for the district, tackling water losses, and strengthening the conservation of this valuable commodity for both citizens and the environment.

More specifically, this involves funding of an amount up to €2.3 million for the project to repair damages and reduce losses in the water supply network of the Paralimni - Deryneia and Ayia Napa areas.

Furthermore, it includes a state grant totaling €2.50 million for the project to replace the main water supply pipeline from the Kokkinokremmos reservoirs toward Ayia Napa, as well as a fund amounting to €300,000 for implementing immediate actions to reduce water losses in the water supply networks.

Relevant information was forwarded to the House of Representatives by the Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panayiotou, responding to questions submitted through parliamentary channels by AKEL Ammochostos MPs Giannakis Gavriel, Nikos Kettiros, and Giorgos Koukoumas.

Specifically, in a letter dated October 7, 2025, forwarded to the Minister of Agriculture, the AKEL MPs requested an update regarding the installation of smart water meters and other plans being followed to address water loss in the Ammochostos district.

In the response forwarded by the Minister to the Parliament on June 24, 2026, she stated that, in cooperation with the Water Development Department (WDD), she has already proceeded with a series of actions and decisions aimed at substantially strengthening the efforts of the District Self-Government Organizations to limit water losses and enhance water supply security.

Regarding the state support and funding for the Ammochostos District Self-Government Organization (EOAA), reference is made to three important decisions taken recently.

State Grant of €300,000 for Water Loss Reduction Actions

In greater detail, she mentions that, within the framework of the 6th package of measures approved by the Council of Ministers at the beginning of the current year, the allocation of an additional state grant amounting to €300,000 to the District Organizations was approved for the implementation of immediate actions to reduce water losses in water supply networks.

Within this framework, she notes that the EOAA proposed, among other things, projects of limited scope, such as the procurement and installation of pressure regulating and isolation valves, as well as other targeted interventions to limit losses.

It is noted that, via a letter dated May 8, 2026, the WDD officially informed the EOAA that the payment of the €300,000 amount was approved, with the possibility of partial disbursement depending on the maturation and implementation progress of the relevant projects and actions.

Signatures Are Being Placed for €2.3 Million Repair Projects

Concurrently, she informed that within the coming days, signatures will be placed for the project to repair damages and reduce losses in the water supply network of the Paralimni - Deryneia and Ayia Napa areas.

She adds that for this project, which was deemed mature and particularly important for strengthening the water balance and improving the efficiency of the district's water supply network, the EOAA proceeded with the proclamation of two tenders, which were awarded to the same contractor.

She explains that the tenders concern "excavation, reinstatement, and related works on roads and pavements for repairing damages to the EOAA water supply network in the area of Deryneia and Paralimni" and "excavation, reinstatement, and related works on roads and pavements for repairing damages to the EOAA water supply network in the area of Ayia Napa."

She further informs that, within the framework of the Cohesion Policy Programme "THALIA 2021-2027", funding of up to the amount of €2.3 million (including VAT) was approved on 02/07/2025 for this specific project.

Fund of €2.5 Million for Replacing the Main Water Supply Pipeline

Additionally, Ms. Panayiotou informs that the Ministry of Agriculture has already proceeded with the planning of allocating a state grant, totaling €2.50 million, for the project to replace the main water supply pipeline from the Kokkinokremmos reservoirs toward Ayia Napa.

The Minister of Agriculture emphasizes that, despite repeated actions toward the EOAA, the project has not yet been tendered.

She further underlines that the aforementioned actions demonstrate the practical support toward the EOAA and the importance attributed to tackling water losses and ensuring the uninterrupted water supply of the district.

She also adds that the Ministry of Agriculture and the WDD remain in continuous cooperation with the EOAA to expedite the implementation of the projects and the effective utilization of available resources.

Water Losses Reach 36%

It is worth mentioning that the water supply network of free Ammochostos faces severe issues due to its age, with water losses reaching approximately 36%, according to statements by the president of the Ammochostos EOA, Yiannis Karousos.

More specifically, he stated that water losses in the EOA water supply network reach approximately 36%, a particularly high percentage that affects both proper water management and the Organization's operating costs.

"Through these specific contracts, we are proceeding for the first time with an organized and targeted effort to tackle a large number of damages in the water supply network, aiming for a significant reduction in drinking water losses," he underlined regarding the recent awarding of the tenders.

He added that other important interventions and projects for modernizing and upgrading the water infrastructure of the Ammochostos EOA will follow, such as the installation of smart water meters, aiming for a more modern, efficient, and reliable water supply network for all citizens of the district.

Source: ink.com