Cyprus’s Audit Office has demanded immediate reforms in how the government manages water resources as the country battles worsening shortages caused by climate change. The report stresses that the Republic’s water management system remains fragile despite its critical role in sustaining communities under growing environmental pressure. The Water Development Department (DWD), responsible for managing and overseeing national reserves, must now step up its oversight and efficiency to protect future supplies.
System Gaps and Monitoring Failures
Auditors found serious weaknesses in water metering, billing accuracy, and control documentation. They discovered that two major intake points, supplying 64% of Nicosia’s water, were not routinely inspected. The DWD lacked access to Limassol’s water meters and Larnaca’s telemetry systems, creating uncertainty over billed volumes. Unexplained variations in meter readings went unchecked, and reporting forms were inconsistently completed. The audit also revealed flaws in the Water Billing System’s access control and data protection, leaving critical information exposed.
Debt, Overuse, and Lack of Enforcement
The Water Development Department collected €147.7 million in revenue, including €69.2 million in overdue debts, mostly from Local Authorities. Despite agreements to settle old debts, new arrears continued to grow. Turkish Cypriot consumers received €58.1 million worth of water that remains unbilled due to political directives. The department also failed to act promptly against debtors and took no deterrent steps to prevent over-pumping by private operators, who continue to threaten regional reserves. Businesses overused water without proper charges, while vital infrastructure projects in areas such as Polis Chrysochous and Tilleria suffered delays despite completed studies.
Urgent Call for Sustainable Reform
The Audit Office urged stronger coordination, tighter supervision, and smarter resource management within the Water Development Department. It called for the creation of a long-term national water strategy to replace outdated and reactive measures. Only a well-structured plan with strict oversight and decisive action, the report concluded, can ensure Cyprus achieves sustainable and accountable water management in the face of its mounting climate challenges.
