The Audit Office of Cyprus warned that climate change and water shortages demand immediate reforms. The nation risks severe scarcity without stronger oversight. The Water Development Department (DWD) must manage and safeguard resources effectively to meet growing demands.
Oversight Gaps and Billing Problems
Auditors found major flaws in water metering, billing, and documentation. Two key intake points in Nicosia, representing 64% of local use, went unchecked. The DWD lacked access to Limassol meters and Larnaca telemetry, creating doubts about invoiced volumes. Auditors noted unexplained discrepancies, incomplete forms, and vulnerabilities in the computerized billing system.
The department collected €147.7 million, including €69.2 million from overdue Local Authority debts, yet new liabilities continued accumulating. Authorities provided €58.1 million in unbilled water to Turkish Cypriot consumers due to political decisions.
Need for Stronger Enforcement and Strategic Planning
The audit revealed delayed or absent legal action to recover debts. Private companies continued over-pumping unchecked, threatening water supplies. Businesses overconsumed water and avoided charges, and authorities failed to implement key projects in Polis Chrysochous and Tilleria.
Auditors stressed that Cyprus needs stronger supervision, timely decisions, and long-term strategic planning. The DWD must enforce control measures and modernize operations to secure sustainable water policy.
