Committee approved to oversee desalination plans

THE COUNCIL of Minister approved the establishment of a committee to oversee the construction of desalination units in Cyprus, following the proposal of the Minister of Agriculture Michalis Polynikis.

The committee, comprising several state departments, will act as a guarantee for the transparency of all work related to these projects.

“The need for transparency was the main reason for the proposal before the Council of Ministers for the setup of a special committee,” Polynikis said.

As envisioned by Polynikis, the committee will be staffed by representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Communications, the General Auditor, the General Accountant and the Port Authority.

Polynikis also highlighted the gravity of the water shortage problem and the urgent need for action. “Last year [2008] was the second worst year this century in terms of rainfall and to date, it seems 2009 will be even worse,” he said.

At present, Moni desalination plant has been operating, although technical issues reportedly continue to be faced. Limassol has also started using water reserves from the Garyllis river, that are filtered on site. The ministry of Agriculture has also set the process in motion for the upgrade of Dhekelia desalination plant and the construction of a mobile desalination unit in Paphos.

“Until work for the construction of these units is completed, the public should continue to be responsible with potable water consumption and continue to save water,” Polynikis added.

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