The Audit Office of Cyprus urged immediate reforms in managing the nation’s water resources amid worsening drought and climate pressures. Officials stressed that Cyprus now faces critical challenges from shrinking reserves and shifting weather patterns. The Water Development Department (WDD), responsible for oversight and regulation, must play a decisive role as the situation intensifies.
Flawed Oversight and Billing Gaps
Auditors discovered major weaknesses in water metering, billing, and monitoring systems. They found irregular checks at two intake points that supply 64% of Nicosia’s water. The WDD also lacked access to water meters in Limassol and to the telemetry data of Larnaca’s Water Supply Board, leaving large gaps in consumption accuracy. Staff failed to investigate unexplained meter discrepancies, and incomplete reporting further reduced transparency. The audit also exposed security and access flaws in the digital Water Billing System, heightening data vulnerability.
Debt, Overuse, and Weak Enforcement
The report revealed that TAY collected €147.7 million, including €69.2 million in long-standing debts, mainly from Local Authorities. Despite agreements to erase old debts under repayment conditions, new arrears continue to grow. The audit noted an additional €58.1 million worth of water provided to Turkish Cypriot consumers remains unbilled due to political directives. Officials delayed or neglected legal action against debtors and failed to curb over-pumping by private companies that threaten local water supplies. Businesses also engaged in excessive consumption without charges, while water adequacy projects in Polis Chrysochous and Tilleria stalled despite prior studies.
A Call for Reform and Strategic Vision
Auditors demanded stronger oversight, faster decisions, and more efficient use of WDD’s limited resources. They urged the government to replace reactive fixes with a comprehensive long-term water strategy. Only through stricter control systems, sustainable planning, and consistent policy execution can Cyprus secure its future water stability.
