The government’s mistakes and omissions regarding water resources are being borne by households and farmers
4 February 2026, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia
Recent government decisions on the water problem confirm in the clearest possible way that the absence of planning, the delays, and years of erroneous choices are now being passed on to households and the agricultural sector.
The decision to cut water supplies by 10% is not a solution to the water problem, but an admission of failure. Instead of taking responsibility for the failure to implement projects on time, the absence of strategy, and serious omissions in water resource management, the government is choosing the easy way out—making the people and farmers pay the price.
The imposition of retrospective fees on boreholes, a measure that should have been implemented gradually, is causing justified anger among farmers, who are already facing water shortages, increased production costs, and a lack of meaningful state support. Government negligence cannot be allowed to turn into economic suffocation for farmers, while golf courses and large developments have an uninterrupted water supply.
AKEL once again calls on the government to treat the water issue with the necessary seriousness and to stop shifting responsibility onto citizens and the agricultural community.
– To proceed immediately with comprehensive, long-term, and fair water planning, giving priority to basic social and productive needs.
– Immediately connect the Tersefanou dam to the network so that the huge quantities of recycled water can be utilized.
– Proceed with desalination plants, in accordance with proper spatial and environmental procedures, in combination with renewable energy sources to reduce their operating costs.
– Ensure the rational management of water resources, with priority given to conservation and reduction of losses.
The water problem cannot be solved with the imposition of cuts and taxes. It can be solved with responsibility and planning. Is anyone listening in the government, or are they still living in their own world?
04.02.2026
