Cyprus eyes Greece’s water to slake thirst
Cyprus may seek to import drinking water from Greece and other countries in the region as it has only enough reserves to last another two months, the Cypriot agriculture minister said yesterday. Nicosia has asked authorities in Greece, as well as Lebanon and Egypt, to send over water in tankers, Fotis Fotiou said. Cyprus, which has suffered from drought for years, had considered importing water seven years ago but decided not to because of the high cost. The operation of desalination plants on the island had eased the problem – and a third plant is due to open in June – but the situation is now critical, authorities say. «We rationed water for farmers; we might have to do the same for households,» Fotiou said. Reservoirs on Cyprus are reportedly less than 10 percent full.
