The Audit Office of Cyprus warned that climate change and water shortages demand immediate reform. Officials stressed that mismanagement of water reserves threatens the country’s supply. The Water Development Department (DWD) must strengthen oversight to secure sustainable use and prevent shortages.
Gaps in Monitoring and Billing
Auditors found weak metering, inaccurate billing, and inconsistent record-keeping. Two intake points, supplying 64% of Nicosia’s water, lacked regular inspections. The DWD could not access Limassol meters or Larnaca’s telemetry system, creating doubts about invoiced quantities. Officials ignored discrepancies in meter readings, and forms remained incomplete. The computerized billing system also showed weak data security and access controls.
Debt, Overuse, and Missed Projects
The DWD collected €147.7 million, including €69.2 million in old Local Authority debts, but new debts continued accumulating. The department provided €58.1 million in water to Turkish Cypriot consumers without billing due to political decisions. The audit highlighted delayed legal actions and unchecked over-pumping by private firms. Officials also failed to curb overconsumption and delayed key water adequacy projects in Polis Chrysochous and Tilleria.
The report urged better organization, stronger supervision, and a long-term strategic plan. Authorities must implement proactive, modern policies to ensure sustainable water management in Cyprus.
