A host of problems, such as large water losses, ageing networks, a failure to utilise recycled water, unequal pricing policies and the energy dependence of desalination plants, were raised at Thursday’s session of the House audit committee.

Discussions focused on an audit office report on the adaptation of water resources management in relation to climate change.

Complaints were also raised about cases of water theft through illegal underground connections.

In relation to the 13 mobile desalination units that arrived in Cyprus from the United Arab Emirates, MPs heard their operation might be delayed.

Speaking before the committee the director general of the ministry of agriculture, Andreas Gregoriou, assured that they were in the process of resolving problems regarding the management of the water supply.

In relation to the losses from the aging networks, managed by the water development department, he said these “were limited” and mostly found in rural distribution networks.

Presenting the report, a representative of the audit office, Akis Kikas, said a plan was needed immediately to improve the use of recycled water to limit discharges into the sea.

He also stressed the need to enhance the efficiency of desalination plants by investing in renewable energy sources, rather than fossil fuels. The cost of desalinate water was very high, Kikas added.

“Another tool that the state has in its hands to ensure that we do not waste water is policy. We understand that water is a basic right and access to it must be ensured for everyone,” he said.

“But, on the other hand, waste must be avoided and pricing policy is a very useful tool in this direction,” he added.

He noted that European directives require the recovery of the cost of supplying water but existing pricing policy caused inequalities among consumers depending on district.

Kikas also touched on irrigation saying the policies don’t contribute to the promotion of crops that are consistent with the new climatic data for Cyprus.

“Agriculture is a very basic sector that must be kept alive. However, we must maintain it with the new data, that is, we cannot continue the agricultural practices of the past,” he said.

MPs on the audit committee spoke about long-standing failures and pointed out the fact that timely measures were not taken to prevent the current situation.

Committee chairman, Zacharias Koulias, said that since all the water systems in the cities and communities of Cyprus were put into operation, they have been “left to their own devices”.

“The noose is now tightening.”

Greens MP Charalambos Theopemptou said: “We continue to do the same things or we ignore a series of actions that we should have taken.”