Farmer stole water from Yermasoyia aquifer

A 49-YEAR-OLD Limassol farmer has been caught red-handed stealing water destined for the area’s underground reserves.

The man had been diverting water from a channel used to transfer water from the Greek tankers into the Yermasoyia dam. The man was using the water to irrigate his citrus farm.

“After receiving information, Water Development Board officers and Limassol District Administration officers went on site, south of Yermasoyia dam, where they found a water pump in operation which was taking water from the river and transporting it to a nearby field with citrus trees,” said Andreas Angelides, Limassol Police Press Representative.

The 49-year-old was taken in for questioning and admitted to stealing the water. He was charged with water theft and released.

Police received complaints that other plots of land in the area were also being irrigated with stolen water from the dam. Police officers investigated the area, but found no additional pumps or other evidence.

“Police have been patrolling the area of the aquifer for some time now, after receiving relevant reports and is prepared to arrest anyone who takes water without a license,” Angelides said.

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