THE MINISTRY of Interior is considering the option of increasing water rates in some areas, including Limassol and Larnaca, where water has been charged less than in other districts.
The aim is both to streamline water prices throughout the island and comply with an EU Directive which asks local water boards to adjust prices by 2010 to reflect water service provision costs.
“Water resources belong to all citizens and should be handed out equally, regardless on the geographic location of various wells, dams and boreholes,” said General Auditor Chrystalla Yiorkadji, asking for prices to increase in areas where they are charged less.
At present, local village councils and water boards have discretion in adjusting water rates, which has resulted in an unfair situation whereby water charges vary depending on where one lives. The tri-monthly water bill for an average household (estimated at 45m²) would be €42 in Nicosia, €31 in Larnaca, €16 in Limassol, €27 in neighbouring Pareklissia and a staggering €225 in Pissouri. Punitive water rates were introduced by some village councils in the summer as a measure against excessive consumption.
In the case of Limassol, the near drying up of Kourris dam (whose salvation was attempted by the transportation of water from Trimiklini and Arminou dams) and the near depletion of water reserves has brought about plans for a number of infrastructure projects to generate water. These projects, however, will cost dearly, which will be reflected on water bills.
“As we are developing water works and the price of water rises, inevitably the cost will at some point reach the consumer. To desalinate water or transport it with tankers from a long distance come at a big cost,” explained Socrates Metaxas, Director of Limassol Water Board.
The Moni Desalination Plant has already started operating in Limassol pumping 20,000m³ of water per day, while the Garyllis river boreholes are scheduled to produce an additional 10,000m³.
In the long term, Limassol will get a permanent desalination plant at Episkopi which will pump 40,000m³ per day, with the capacity of extending it to produce 60,000m³ per day. Long delays are expected for this project, however, as it is still at the objections stage, while its construction will require two years to finish.
