Largest dam overflows for the first time

PEOPLE of all ages flocked to the see the Kouris dam in Limassol overflow yesterday for the first time since it was built in 1988.

The Kouris dam is the largest dam in Cyprus with a capacity of 115 million cubic metres of water. According to Phaedros Rousis from the Water Development Department, the highest previous level was 89 million cubic metres.

“This is the first time the dam has overflown,” said Rousis.

“The reason is not only due to the heavy rainfall that was seen in January and February of this year, but because there was already a certain amount of water in the dam from previous years,” said Rousis.

He said he did not expect the overflow to cause any damage or problems to the surrounding areas. “We have taken precautionary measures to avoid the water spilling out and causing any damage to fields and nearby roads.”

Agriculture Minister Timis Efthimiou visited the Kouris dam yesterday and circled overhead by helicopter. He said that yesterday was a day to remember for the Water Development Department.

Efthimiou expressed his satisfaction at such a historical sight, which would benefit not only the surrounding areas, that would have enough water for three years, but also that it would enrich the soil of Akrotiri that had suffered badly from previous droughts.

“Residents of Limassol, Larnaca, Famagusta and Nicosia will have sufficient water for a number of years due to the filling of the Kouris dam,” Efthimiou said after his visit. “This will also help the tourism sector, which will have enough water for their hotels and restaurants throughout the summer months.”

Construction of the dam lasted for four years and cost £29 million. It stretches for 550 metres and is 110 metres deep. Water leaves the dam at a speed of 1,928 cubic metres per second and the surface area of the dam is 3.6 square kilometers.

The Minister added the water would not go to waste; it would be stored and usage would be monitored.

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