Water from Greece could flow as early as next month

By Marianna Pissa

WATER transport from Greece can begin as soon as next month, the Chairman and CEO of Ocean Tankers Company, Michalis Ioannides, said yesterday at the ceremony for the signing of the contract between the company and the Water Development Department.

In statements following the ceremony of the contract signing, Agriculture Minister Michalis Polynikis hinted there may be a possibility of increasing the quantity of 8 million cubic metres of water that was agreed. "Our shortage is of 16 million cubic metres of water up to the end of year. The Greek government committed to grant us 8 million cubic metres. However, the prospect to increase the sum exists. This depends on the good will of the Greek government but also the needs that potentially come to the surface," Polynikis said.

Referring to the contract with Ocean Tankers, Polynikis declared that "we signed the contract that gives us the possibility of beginning the transport of the quantity of water that we agreed from Greece, the 8 million cubic metres, within the timeframe that we set, that is to say by June".

Asked if the government was also considering water transport from other neighbouring countries, the minister said: “he Ministry of Agriculture is determined to solve the water problem… All the possibilities are open to bring an end to the water problem."

Ioannides declared that the company would honour the contract and make every possible effort so that the water from Greece "is here on time". He added that, "provided the Port Authorities and the Water Development Department work together closely, there exists a possibility that the transport may begin in May”.

Regarding technical details for the procedure, Ioannides said that once the water reaches Limassol port, it will be transported via pipes to water-tanks in Yermasoyia and from there to the consumers without further treatment/processing, as the water which will be transported is potable.

"The tankers will transport 50,000 cubic metres of water daily and the entire procedure will last 160 days," he added, concluding that "the commitment based on the agreement is that the water transport will be completed by November".

(Cyprus Mail 22/4/2008)