Paphos will get enough water this year and the next for households, agriculture ministry permanent secretary Andreas Gregoriou told a broad meeting on Tuesday, describing the situation as “manageable”.

The meeting was attended by Paphos district governor Charalambos Pittokopitis – who said the situation was “extremely difficult” – MPs, mayors and government services and departments.

Gregoriou said scenarios had been examined and that the water supply had been increased due to the Asprokremmos reservoir and additional boreholes, which have been added to the network.

More boreholes are also being drilled to alleviate the problem, he said.

Gregoriou said a contract had been signed on Monday to install a mobile desalination plant in Kissonerga, which would be operational in September.

Furthermore, the desalination plant at Kouklia, which was destroyed by fire a few months ago, is expected to be back on the grid by the end of August.

“We are working to implement cabinet decisions to solve the water problem,” Gregoriou said, adding that the aim was for no district to have water cuts.

Long-term planning for Paphos included two more desalination units while everyone should make sure not to waste water, he said.

By 2026, Gregoriou said, Paphos would not be facing any water supply problems, while at the same time weather predictions saw a very rainy winter ahead.

Referring to Paphos’ needs, Gregoriou said the daily demand was 43,000 cubic metres of water, which was four per cent higher than last year.

Additionally, tourism will put a further strain on the demand.

The boreholes, he added, may yield less water over a period of a few months and that more were being drilled.

Gregoriou said the Land Survey Department had drilled four boreholes in Peyia “with very positive results” and that others would follow if necessary.

Regarding the national investment plan to address the water shortage, Gregoriou said projects budgeted at €1.2 billion in April 2024 would be completed over the next five years and that the plan included provisions for new reservoirs.

Gregoriou also said that covering the needs of hotels was included in the scenarios examined, however additional recovered water would be allocated for their lawns and gardens.

Pittokopitis said Paphos was facing “an extremely difficult situation” and expressed reserved optimism after the meeting that there would be no water cuts.

However, he called on the people to use water sparingly, as every drop was valuable.

Diko MP Chrysanthos Savvides echoed Pittokopitis’ reservations, while Akel MP Valentinos Fakontis said a proper solution would be implemented when all the projects were completed, however Edek MP Elias Myrianthous said he was satisfied with what he had heard from the ministry and pointed out the importance of observing the deadlines.

Paphos hotel association chairman Evripides Loizides also expressed reserved optimism, however he said there were factors that could turn things around.

Regarding the small mobile desalination plants, Loizides said there was no machinery available at the moment and that results would be evident next year.