Larnaca district is experiencing significant water losses, in some cases exceeding 50%, amidst worrying drought conditions, according to data from the Larnaca District Administration Organisation.
Since July 1, when the organisation expanded to include five municipalities and 16 communities, over 600 water leakage incidents have been reported. The organisation’s crews have intervened in more than 400 cases to make repairs and minimise water loss.
In a statement, the Larnaca District Administration Organisation notes that despite the fact that its crews had to work day and night to repair faults, it does not have an unlimited number of human resources to be able to intervene immediately in all cases. Consequently, it states, “water leakage incidents that are identified are prioritised, primarily based on the amount of water lost and then on the date of notification of the fault, which in some cases may create false impressions as to the interest shown by the Larnaca District Administration Organisation in the immediate repair of leaks.”
Most of the problems are found in the municipalities of Lefkara, Athienou, and Aradippou, and mainly in the communities that were integrated into them, such as Lageia, which, due to repeated faults, was left without water for a week.
“Water is wealth, and we cannot afford to lose such large quantities in 2024,” Angelos Hadjicharalambous, President of the Larnaca District Administration Organisation, told local media. He noted that the organisation had inherited neglected networks requiring serious maintenance and upgrading.
The organisation is prioritising leak repairs to ensure uninterrupted water supply. It aims to draw up an Action Plan by September, detailing immediate, medium-term, and long-term actions to reduce losses and correct network flaws.
Hadjicharalambous emphasised that the plan’s implementation will depend on available economic and human resources. He stressed the need to find resources for necessary works, particularly in areas where water losses exceed 50%.
