A new annual rain tax is being introduced in Nicosia. On Wednesday, August 6, Nicosia Mayor Constantinos Yiorkadjis announced that the funds collected will be used to clean and maintain the storm drainage system, thereby preventing flooding and damage caused by blockages.
How much will you have to pay?
The tax is calculated based on property value and amounts to 0.02% of the property's cadastral value per year. For instance, if your property is valued at €200,000, you will only pay €4 per year.
Yiorkatzis emphasized that this small amount will be used for specific purposes: maintenance and cleaning of rain pipes and drains, many of which have not been serviced since their installation.
Why is the tax being introduced only now?
Similar charges are already in place in other Cypriot cities, but they have not been applied in Nicosia due to the lack of an official government decree empowering the local sewerage authority to maintain storm water systems.
According to the new decision, however, the Nicosia Sewerage Board has now been granted such powers. This creates a need for regular maintenance of the stormwater system, which is why the new charge is being introduced.
The tax is for safety and flood prevention
According to the mayor, neglecting storm water infrastructure maintenance poses serious risks to private property and public safety. Blockages in drains can lead to flooding and damage roads and homes, especially during heavy rainfall.
The new tax is considered a minimally burdensome yet technically necessary solution to prevent more serious and costly consequences in the future.