The Audit Office of Cyprus exposed major flaws in water management amid rising scarcity and climate change pressures. Officials must act immediately to protect national reserves. The Water Development Department (DWD) now bears critical responsibility for overseeing and safeguarding the country’s water resources.
Failures in Monitoring and Billing
Auditors found gaps in metering, billing, and verification processes. Two intake points supplying 64% of Nicosia’s water lacked regular inspections. The DWD could not access Limassol’s meters or Larnaca’s telemetry system, raising doubts about invoiced volumes. Inspectors noticed unexplained meter discrepancies but did not investigate them. Staff also inconsistently completed forms. The computerized Water Billing System contained weak access controls and security vulnerabilities.
Urgent Reforms and Strategic Planning
TAY collected €147.7 million, including €69.2 million from old Local Authority debts, yet new debts kept accumulating. Officials failed to pursue legal actions promptly, and over-pumping by private companies went unchecked. Businesses consumed water without paying, and authorities delayed projects in Polis Chrysochous and Tilleria despite a 2022 study. The audit calls for stronger supervision, faster decisions, and a long-term strategic plan. Cyprus must implement proactive, sustainable, and modern water policies.
