In July 2025, an important infrastructure project will start in Limassol - the replacement of worn water pipes with a total length of 98 km.
The cost of the work is €9.5 million and is expected to be completed by December 2027. The initiative is being implemented by the Cyprus Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with Limassol Municipality.
The main objective of the project is to reduce water losses, which currently account for up to 40% of the total volume flowing through the city's pipes. This is particularly important as the island is experiencing its third consecutive year of drought. New polyethylene pipes will be laid in three areas of the city where accidents are most common. They will replace aging asbestos cement and plastic networks that have long since reached the end of their useful life. The pipes will run from Enareos along Makarios III Avenue, past the fire station, along the Garillis River and along Navarino, Eirinis, Gladstone and Independence Streets to the seafront.
The work will be carried out alongside existing systems to minimise disruption to the water supply. The old networks will be shut down as the new sections come online. To ensure access to schools, hospitals, churches and other key facilities, the authorities have developed special traffic plans. As well as pipes, part of the project involves training: local experts from Limassol and the Water Resources Development Department are being trained in modern methods of detecting and repairing leaks. This work will be organised with the help of the European Technical Support Instrument.
In addition, a leakage index will be introduced throughout the country to help identify where infrastructure urgently needs to be replaced.
The Ministry has already submitted a proposal to the Cabinet for additional state funding after the project was not included in the Strategic Development Plan. Around €8 million has been allocated to local authorities for urgent leakage repairs. Co-operation agreements with all municipalities in the city are also being finalised.
The implementation of this project will make Limassol's water supply more reliable, improve the quality of service to residents and ensure a more sustainable use of resources in the face of climate challenges.