SINCE the introduction of water cuts approximately 40 houses of British expatriates in the village of Tala in Paphos have been subjected to long, random and unpredictable cuts that bear no resemblance to any regimented programme, residents say.
Some houses have not had any running water for over a week. Residents are in a desperate situation, voicing concern about the effects on their daily life and health, and even questioning whether they can continue living in Cyprus if the problem is not addressed.
“We agree that water should be rationed. However, we believe everyone should be treated fairly and that what has been happening is unfair,” said Paul Geib, one of the residents.
“We appreciate the need to save water, but this pain should be shared equally by everyone,” reiterated Tim Wheatley.
The house owned by June Iles has not had any running water since Friday, April 11. The problem is exacerbated as her house was built on a steep hill and there is not enough pressure in the pipes to bring up the water. June has just undergone surgery and is in a frail condition, unable to cope with the stress of not having any water for such a long period of time.
“I have major health problems and have just come out of hospital. If this water situation continues I cannot cope with living in Cyprus. I am desperate and cannot go on living like this. It is making me ill I am very stressed as a result of the situation. It is getting too much for me and I’m thinking of going back to the UK as I cannot cope with the situation.”
The cause of the differential treatment in the application of water cuts seems to be that various developers have constructed houses in the area, with each developer getting water from a different source.
“In this street that runs about 800m, different developers have built houses. Each developer, however, has a different source of water supply. Some get it from Tala Council, others from Emba and so on. Thus, each house, according to which developer built it is getting different treatment in terms of water cuts,” said Tim Wheatley.
“June, for example, hasn’t had any water whatsoever for over a week now. Other houses that were built by Pafilia haven’t had it for four-five days now. Other developments have a regimented system of cuts. Across the valley we see people who are not getting any cuts watering their gardens with hosepipes. There’s no uniform programme that applies to everyone,” Wheatley added.
The unpredictability of the cuts has been making life difficult for the Tala residents. “Cuts seem to happen randomly and at will. We have no idea when we will get a water cut. That’s not right, because what if I put on the washing machine and then the water gets cut and the machine’s motor breaks?” Wheatley said.
The group has taken up the issue with the village community council and its president, as well as with the local Water Board. Nothing has been done and the group blasts the lack of willingness on the part of local authorities to even attempt to address the problem.
“We have been talking to Tala’s Muktar practically every day. Each time he tells us a different story. The Muktar has actually been very unhelpful and would not believe us when we said we don’t have any water,” said Wheatley.
“We have also taken the issue to the local Water Board based in Yeroskipou. We have talked to a number of people there, but none of them seem to understand the problem. We get told different stories by different officials,” added Geib.
Taking into account the rapid growth Tala has undergone in the last few years, the amount of water assigned by the Water Board to Tala Council is also unrepresentative of the community’s present needs as it is based on outdated population figures.
“Tala Council has been receiving 30 per cent less water supply from the Water Board. However, the amount of water assigned to Tala was based on old, outdated figures. At present there are at least 50 per cent more people living in the area since the initial assessment,” explained Wheatley.
Asked how this has affected their lives, the Tala residents are adamant. “What life? You don’t know what will happen each day. We can’t use the washing machine in case the water gets cut before a load finishes. There’s also the hygiene aspect. We don’t know if there’s enough water for showers. We may not shower to make sure there’s enough water to flush toilets. It is very difficult,” said Geib.
