The Audit Office of Cyprus has urged immediate reforms in managing national water resources amid intensifying climate change and worsening shortages. It warned that weak oversight and poor coordination are deepening the crisis. The Water Development Department (DWD), responsible for supervising and distributing resources, plays a crucial role as the country struggles to adapt to dwindling reserves and unpredictable weather patterns.
System Gaps and Accountability Issues
Auditors found serious flaws in metering, billing, and verification systems across multiple districts. Two intake points supplying 64 percent of Nicosia’s water received no regular checks. The DWD lacked access to Limassol’s water meters and Larnaca’s telemetry system, leaving consumption records uncertain and discrepancies unexplained. Staff often failed to complete monitoring forms, and the Water Billing System showed weak data protection and access control. These gaps cast doubt on the accuracy of national water consumption figures.
Mounting Debts and Poor Enforcement
The DWD collected €147.7 million, including €69.2 million in long-term debts mainly owed by Local Authorities. Despite agreements to clear older arrears, new debts continue to grow. Authorities also supplied €58.1 million worth of water to Turkish Cypriot consumers without billing them, following a political decision. The department failed to pursue overdue payments promptly and rarely took legal action. It also neglected to penalize private companies over-pumping water, worsening shortages in their areas. Cases of industrial overuse and non-payment surfaced, while vital water adequacy projects in Polis Chrysochous and Tilleria remained stalled despite completed studies.
Urgent Reform and Strategic Planning Needed
The Audit Office urged the government to reorganize water governance and strengthen oversight mechanisms. It called for tighter controls, faster decision-making, and a long-term strategy to prevent recurring shortages. Cyprus, it said, must shift from reactive management to a sustainable policy built on accountability, innovation, and coordinated national planning to protect its future water security.
