The Nicosia Water Authority (EOA) is proposing the creation of a unified, financially and administratively independent professional water authority as part of efforts to address the water crisis, according to the Organization’s President, Konstantinos Giorkatzis.
In an interview with CNA, Mr. Giorkatzis stated that the creation of such an Authority is part of a comprehensive plan to address the water crisis and that it will be responsible for the entire water cycle, from water supply and sewage systems to irrigation and water resource management, as well as consumer pricing and future infrastructure investments.
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Furthermore, Mr. Giorkatzis noted that the main problem highlighted by the recent damage caused by severe weather in late August was the lack of a unified stormwater drainage network, and noted that prior to the local government reform, each municipality was responsible for its own network.
Regarding the actions being undertaken by the EOA, he stated that next month work will begin on repairing and reinforcing the culvert at Digenis Akritas (Vasilopotamos–Kotsirkas), at a cost of €2.3 million, while the feasibility study for the construction of stormwater drainage pipes in the area between Lakatamia and Strovolos, near the APOEL stadium, so that the project can begin in early 2027. He also noted that following the severe weather events in August, the Agency identified a number of problem areas in the Engomi region, including the absence of a network in certain areas, issues with the dimensions of existing pipes, and problems with connections within the network. Consequently, he stated, the EOA will proceed to update the existing hydrological study and prepare a new comprehensive one.
He also said that discussions are underway with all municipalities in the province to sign cooperation agreements aimed at coordinated intervention and the coordination of actions to address emergencies.
When asked what can be done immediately to prevent similar incidents from occurring during the next wave of severe weather, the President of the NEA in Nicosia emphasized that efforts are underway in the areas of prevention and preparedness. He specifically stated that “the Organization is making every possible effort to strengthen the crews” of the department responsible for these issues, noting that the goal is, on the one hand, the systematic and year-round cleaning and maintenance of the stormwater drainage system, in conjunction with the cleaning of sidewalks, streets, and gratings by municipal services, and, on the other hand, their immediate response to such incidents.
He also highlighted the efforts being made with all municipalities in the Nicosia District to conclude cooperation agreements. As he explained, this cooperation “will ensure coordinated intervention by both parties and will provide for the mobilization of response teams and personnel, the provision of vehicles and machinery, the use of water-pumping equipment, and the coordination of actions to address emergencies.”
When asked about infrastructure deficiencies and the problems he has identified, he cited the lack of a unified stormwater drainage network as the main issue and noted that “the independent management of the network by each municipality, the lack of a unified approach to addressing severe weather events, and the absence of a stormwater drainage network as well as significant investments in this sector (with the exception of the Municipality of Nicosia), have contributed to the emergence of operational problems.”
Projects set to begin next month
Mr. Giorkatzis referred to the actions that the EOA will initiate, noting that as of today “responsibility lies entirely with our Agency,” which, as he said, is beginning a unified planning effort to resolve urgent problems. “Consequently, a minimum fee of 0.05 per thousand has been imposed on stormwater drains, providing us with approximately €2 million in revenue per year,” with the aim, as he stated, to plan and implement substantial maintenance and repair measures for the network, “so that, in the medium term and year by year, the likelihood of flooding is reduced.”
He also noted the request by the Nicosia Water Authority for the construction of retention ponds in Engomi, which will help manage flooding, particularly along 28th October Avenue and the surrounding area. “We have already made this request and are seeking a decision from the Council of Ministers so that we can undertake the design and construction,” he noted.
Referring to projects being carried out in this context, he said that for 2026, “repair and reinforcement work on the culvert at Digenis Akritas (Vasilopotamos–Kotsirkas),” a project worth €2.3 million. He added that “at the same time, we are proceeding with a study for the construction of storm drains in the area between Lakatamia and Strovolos, near the APOEL stadium, so that the project can begin in early 2027.”
In addition to the repair projects and the construction of storm drains, Mr. Giorkatzis noted that following the severe weather events in August, the Agency conducted an on-site investigation and identified a number of problem areas in the Engomi region, where a series of issues and deficiencies were found. Specifically, it noted that “in some areas, the dimensions of the existing pipes are inadequate, while in other areas there is no pipeline network at all.” In fact, as he noted, in other cases it became apparent that the connections between the pipes of the existing network are not as they should be.
The President of the EOA described the issue as extremely serious, adding that “we will proceed to update the existing hydrological study or commission the preparation of a new comprehensive one.”
He also noted that among the actions to be taken in the near future are “the implementation of small stormwater drainage projects at four locations in an effort, to the extent possible, to mitigate flooding problems.” He clarified, however, that these specific interventions do not constitute a permanent solution and that a permanent solution will be achieved after the studies are completed.
Desalination is not the only solution
On the one hand, managing and addressing damage caused by heavy rains and severe weather is a priority for the Nicosia Water Authority; on the other hand, water security remains the most important issue it must address, noted Mr. Giorkatzis, pointing out that “desalination should not be viewed as the sole solution, given its high energy and economic costs.” When asked, Mr. Giorkatzis stated that as the Nicosia Water Authority, “we welcome the government’s announcement regarding the three new desalination plants, which can contribute significantly to strengthening water security,” adding, however, that “increasing water production alone is not enough.”
He emphasized that addressing the water problem requires a comprehensive plan, which will include the rational management of water resources, rainwater harvesting, reducing losses and modernizing networks, the systematic reuse of water, smart systems for monitoring and managing consumption, and linking water production to renewable energy sources.
It is in this context that the proposal was made for “the immediate creation of a unified, financially and administratively independent professional Water Authority,” he said, explaining that it would be responsible for the entire water cycle, from water supply and sewerage to irrigation and water resource management, as well as consumer pricing and future infrastructure investments.
He noted that water security should not be limited to the possibility of water rationing or the hope for beneficial rainfall. “The real goal is to establish a modern, effective, and unified water resource management system that will ensure the country’s water security for the coming decades and, above all, for future generations,” he said.
He reiterated the EOA’s recommendation for a comprehensive and long-term approach to water resource management, noting that “the government must make use of the available data from its various agencies (Land Registry, Public Works Department, etc.) in order to plan and implement the necessary infrastructure in a timely manner,” emphasizing that special priority must be given to the rapidly developing areas of West Nicosia and Lakatamia.
He also highlighted the need to harness rainwater, “one of the most underestimated and untapped resources in Cyprus’s water system,” as he noted, since “every year, significant amounts of rainwater are lost to the sea or into the ground.” He also included in the same equation the creation of networks “so that the quantities of tertiary-treated recycled water from the plants can be fully utilized for irrigation purposes.”
Source: KYPE
