UAE supplies desalination plants to alleviate Cyprus water crisis
- Cyprus is facing a serious shortage of water due to nearly depleted reservoir storage.
- The UAE is providing portable desalination plants to help meet Cyprus's immediate water needs.
- This assistance reflects Cyprus's strengthened diplomatic connections with the UAE and its ongoing efforts to secure long-term water solutions.
Cyprus, an island nation in the eastern Mediterranean, is set to receive assistance from the United Arab Emirates in the form of portable desalination plants as it faces severe water shortages due to depleted reservoir levels. Officials announced this development shortly before the peak summer tourism season, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Agriculture and Environment Minister Maria Panayiotou confirmed the UAE's commitment to providing these plants free of charge, which are crucial given the recent operational disruptions of existing desalination facilities caused by a fire. Reserves in Cyprus have significantly decreased, reaching less than a quarter of their total capacity, an alarming statistic following one of the driest winters in a decade. Water levels across the country’s reservoir network, comprising 108 reservoirs, were reported at 47.2% capacity in 2024. This situation has escalated after one of the island's five static desalination plants was rendered inoperable, affecting agricultural water supply and prompting immediate action to fill the gap with portable solutions. The upcoming delivery of portable desalination plants will produce a combined total of 15,000 cubic meters of potable water daily, helping supplement the shortfall until existing facilities can resume operations. However, the exact timeline for the arrival and installation of these units remains unclear. Technical experts in Cyprus are strategizing the best locations to maximize their efficiency. In addition to this immediate support from the UAE, Cyprus is also advancing its long-term strategic planning to address water scarcity. The government has outlined plans to procure four additional mobile desalination plants, each with the capacity to produce 30,000 cubic meters of drinkable water per day, expected to be operational by late autumn. Furthermore, the construction of two new static desalination plants, which will each provide an output of 140,000 cubic meters daily, underscores the island's commitment to permanent water solutions amid escalating demands due to climate conditions and population pressures.