AT LEAST one more week is needed before water from Greece floating off the coast of Limassol can flow onto the island.
The delivery will come just in time for Limassol, which according to a local water board official, would run out of water by the end of the month.
Despite the fast-paced work to complete the final parts of the infrastructure for the water from Greece, project contractors yesterday confirmed that at least one week is needed before everything is in place and water can start flowing on land.
The Israeli sub-contractors commissioned with constructing the underwater infrastructure at Yermasoyia bay is presently working on the final and most difficult part of the project, which is the connection of the undersea pipe with the land pipe. According to the terms of the contract, work is set to be finished by July 25 at the latest.
“We should not underestimate this effort, the initial target was to bring the water by the end of June and since we secured this quantity of water, this had been my commitment, as well as that of the contractor who took responsibility for the project,” said Minister Michalis Polynikis.
“There have been some problems on the part of the contractor, in a project that is not simple,” Polynikis added.
“This is the first time such a project is taking place worldwide. The tankers are the first that are certified to carry potable water on a worldwide basis,” said Michalis Ioannides, Executive President of Ocean Tankers.
“There were similar projects in Spain and Portugal, but there they had the installations at their ports. In our case we constructed a 1.5km-long port at sea, what is called Single Point Mooring,” Ioannides explained.
Meanwhile, claims are made that the delay in the project’s completion will have an impact on the water’s quality, as it is being exposed to direct sunlight at high temperatures. The Westama, the first tanker to arrive in Cyprus carrying Greek water has been anchored off Yermasoyia bay for over a week. As a result of this delay, the water is being exposed to direct sunlight for a long period of time, which some believe has rendered it unsuitable.
“The tanker has been sitting off Limassol, full of water, for over a week. This is concerning, as the high temperatures could have affected it, as chemicals had not been added to the water to ensure that bacteria does not build up. The water may now be unsuitable, but for the time being we cannot know that for certain,” a source close to the issue told the Cyprus Mail.
Claims have also been made that the long journey from Greece could have affected the water’s quality, and that additional chemical treatment was necessary to maintain its quality in transit.
“When it leaves Greece , the water is of potable quality. During the transit time to Cyprus , however, there may be discrepancies that require additional treatment. Additional chemical treatment of the water should be carried out to ensure that its quality and safety is maintained,” a source close to the issue said. The movement of the water during its journey affects its chemical and microbiological balance.
Although they were advised by Cyprus-based John Gibbon & Son (JGS) three months ago that the water would need additional treatment to survive the journey, Ocean Tankers, responsible for transporting the water to Cyprus, reportedly insisted no such treatment was required.
Before being sent to Cyprus, the water is checked by the Athens Pireas Water Company (EYDAP), which is why it can be immediately supplied to Limassol’s water network without any treatment in Cyprus. Analysis by the State Lab has also confirmed its quality, both from a chemical and microbiological aspect.
JGS offer chemicals, lubricants, equipment, drydocking, voyage repair facilities and reconditioning services to seafaring vessels. The company is reportedly responsible for cleaning the second tanker that will be arriving in Cyprus, before it is filled with water.
Talking to the Cyprus Mail, Ioannides dispelled these accusations, confirming that regular checks show the water’s quality. “Three certified chemists traveled onboard and tested the water. In cooperation with the state lab, the chemists check the water every two days. The last analysis was done yesterday and it showed that the water is in the same excellent condition. The State Lab has also tested the water and its results were positive,” Ioannides said.
“The water is kept in the tanker at sea, which means that the temperature is lower than on land. Also, to circulate the water the tanker keeps moving at sea. We are not worried at all about its quality,” he added.
Some sources claim that if the water is damaged because of the long waiting time at Yermasoyia it will still be used to clean the pipe network, before a second load of water arrives. “The first load of water will be used to clean the piping system of the Yermasoyia riverbed. The pipes are full of dirt and dust and the water will be used to clean them. I do think that the first few loads will be used on a trial basis, as they will want to check how the water is reacting,” the source said.
“I can only confirm that the water is of good quality. Our company is responsible for bringing the water on land. From then on, it is a matter of the Water Board and it is their business what they plan to do with it,” Ioannides said.
