CYPRUS’ desalination units are pumping out less water due to the energy crisis, which is forcing the Water Development Department (WDD) to use reservoirs to fill the gap.
Prior to the July 11 navy base blast which knocked out the Vasilikos power station, desalination units delivered about 150,000 cubic metres of water and dams 60,000 cubic metres.
“The situation is now reversed,” WDD’s Sophocles Aletraris said yesterday.
Dams are providing about 160,000 cubic metres daily and the desalination units are providing 50,000 to 60,000 cubic metres. Aletraris warned people to conserve as much water as possible.
The energy situation remains serious with the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) struggling to make use of every Megawatt available. Power outages are inevitable.
“Power cuts lasting two hours every day within the eight hours businesses operate translated to an average of 25 per cent loss of financial activities and time,” head of Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE) Manthos Mavromatis said.
“This is a huge cost for the economy and as a result it is our view that it is entering an economic recession,” Mavromatis added.
But a constant power supply cannot be guaranteed yet.
Moni and Dhekelia units broke down last Thursday, at the same time as a power glitch in the north. Those problems were fixed but then power supply from the north was interrupted again on Sunday following a malfunction.
The system was brought online again yesterday with the Turkish Cypriots providing 70MW.
Meanwhile businesses which do not need to work in August have been urged to close down.
The Vasilikos Cement Factory, which has been working at night when energy demands are lower, will make available its 20MW generator during its August break.
The news was welcomed as were the arrivals of generators from Greece yesterday which should go online by August 15 and will provide an additional 70MW.
The Cabinet further decided yesterday to intensify efforts to see more renewable energy sources.
Commerce Minister Antonis Paschalides said they would be mobilising mechanisms to encourage photovoltaic systems, set up privately or by businesses.
People wanting to set up photovoltaics producing up to 20KW or else producing between 20KW and 150KW will be subsidised and their application process will expedited, Paschalides said.
In addition, the government will be accepting proposals from the private sector for photovoltaic parks producing more than 150KW.
Details should be published within the next few days, Paschalides said.
Paschalides also announced that they would be distributing energy efficient light bulbs to schools, hospitals, camps, multi-member families and welfare recipients.
This week is “crucial” EAC’s Stelios Stylianou said, with energy demands typically reaching a peak.
Simple ways to conserve water:
Do not use water hoses to wash cars, verandas or pavements.
Use a watering can to water plants in the morning or evening when it is cooler.
Use a shower instead of a bath but limit shower time – avoiding power showers.
Install a water-efficient showerhead. Bathe your younger children together.
Turn off the taps between activities, such as foaming up in the shower or brushing your teeth. Better yet, brush your teeth and wash your face while in the shower.
Wash dishes by hands or on the dishwasher’s economy mode.
Use the same glass to drink water throughout the day to reduce washing load.
Use a full load to wash clothes.
Wash fruits and vegetables in a bowl or basin together.
Collect the water and use it to water plants.
Insert plastic bottles containing sand in toilet tanks to reduce wastage.
Make sure no taps are leaking.
Use energy efficient appliances.
