Cyprus will get free portable desalination units from the UAE this summer to help alleviate the country’s rising water issue. With reservoir levels at dangerous lows and a surge in demand owing to peak tourist season, this assistance comes at an important time. Agriculture and Environment Minister Maria Panayiotou said that the UAE will provide desalination plants capable of producing a total of 15,000 cubic meters of potable water daily. The units are offered at no cost.
Although no specific delivery date has been announced, Panayiotou highlighted that UAE officials appreciate the need. The arrangement was reached after months of quiet discussions. The shortfall worsened after a fire damaged one of Cyprus’ five permanent desalination plants, resulting in agricultural water shortages. The damaged facility, which typically supplies 235,000 cubic meters of water per day, is expected to be operational again by August.
The UAE’s portable units will temporarily fill the gap. Authorities are presently analyzing the best places for the mobile plants.
In the long run, Cyprus plans to invest in four more mobile desalination plants and two new static ones. The government intends to fund private desalination installations in hotels to protect the country’s tourism-dependent economy.
