Amid worsening water shortages, the Audit Office of Cyprus urged immediate reforms in managing national water reserves. The office stressed the urgent need for effective strategies as climate change intensifies water scarcity risks. It noted that managing the Republic’s water resources remains crucial as droughts and rising temperatures increase pressure on supply. The Water Development Department (WDD), responsible for oversight, holds a vital role in addressing these challenges and ensuring sustainable distribution.
Flaws in Water Monitoring and Accountability
Auditors found serious gaps in supply metering, billing, and meter accuracy checks. They discovered that two major intake points, covering 64% of Nicosia’s consumption, went unchecked. The WDD lacked access to the Limassol Water Supply Board’s meters and Larnaca’s telemetry system, creating uncertainty about billed quantities. Unexplained meter discrepancies went uninvestigated, and officials often failed to complete reporting forms. The Water Billing System also showed weak data security and poor access controls, raising concerns about accountability and revenue protection.
Financial Mismanagement and Delayed Action
The audit revealed that TAY collected €147.7 million, including €69.2 million in unpaid debts, mostly from local authorities. Despite agreements to cancel older debts if future payments were met, new arrears continued to grow. Authorities also failed to bill Turkish Cypriot consumers for €58.1 million worth of water due to political decisions. Legal actions to recover debts were delayed or never initiated. Over-pumping by private firms continued unchecked, threatening local supplies. Businesses engaged in overconsumption and avoided charges, while key water adequacy projects in Polis Chrysochous and Tilleria faced delays despite completed studies in 2022.
Urgent Call for Reform and Long-Term Planning
The Audit Office called for stronger organisation, tighter supervision, and efficient use of WDD resources. It urged the creation of robust control mechanisms, faster decision-making, and a forward-looking strategy instead of short-term fixes. The report concluded that Cyprus must modernise its water policy through sustainable management, effective regulation, and long-term planning to protect its most vital resource.
