The Audit Office of Cyprus exposed urgent failures in managing water resources amid worsening shortages and climate change. The report warned that mismanagement threatens the nation’s supply. The Water Development Department (DWD) must strengthen oversight, improve planning, and secure sustainable water use.
Weak Monitoring and Uncollected Revenue
Auditors found gaps in metering, billing, and documentation. Two key intake points supplying 64% of Nicosia’s water lacked regular inspections. The DWD could not access Limassol meters or Larnaca’s telemetry system, leaving billing accuracy uncertain. Discrepancies went uninvestigated, and forms remained incomplete. The computerized billing system showed weak access controls and data vulnerabilities. The department collected €147.7 million, including €69.2 million from old Local Authority debts, but new debts continued accumulating. Another €58.1 million of water supplied to Turkish Cypriot consumers went unbilled for political reasons.
Overuse and Lack of Enforcement
Auditors reported delays in legal action and failures to curb over-pumping by private companies, endangering local supplies. Businesses consumed water without being charged, and authorities delayed projects in Polis Chrysochous and Tilleria despite a 2022 study. The report emphasized the need for better organization, stricter supervision, and effective resource use. Authorities must implement long-term planning, enforce regulations, and strengthen controls to ensure sustainable water management in Cyprus.
