New 80 million euro desalination plant to be built in Limassol to protect against drought

The Republic of Cyprus is embarking on a major infrastructure project that is expected to significantly strengthen Limassol's water security. This involves the construction of a new permanent desalination plant in the Monagroulli area, capable of producing up to 60,000 cubic meters of drinking water per day.

The Ministry of Agriculture has already submitted a proposal for the approval of the expropriation of a land plot of over 45,000 square meters required for the construction of the facility. According to the Department of Lands and Surveys, compensation to landowners will amount to approximately 1.46 million euros.

The future plant will be located near Limassol's existing water treatment plant. The total construction cost is estimated at 80 million euros. The project will be implemented under a public-private partnership model: a private investor will handle the construction and subsequently operate and maintain the facility for 25 years.

According to the Water Development Department's schedule, the construction tender is planned to be launched in 2027, following the completion of all environmental and economic studies. Full commissioning of the plant is expected in 2029.

The main goal of the project — to provide Limassol with a stable water source in the face of increasingly frequent droughts and declining reservoir levels. Upon completion, the city and surrounding areas will receive a reliable, long-term solution to their water supply issues.

In parallel, Cyprus is already reinforcing its water resources through mobile desalination units. Since last year, stations in Moni and Kissonerga have been operational, providing additional volumes of water for public needs.

Authorities call the Monagroulli project one of the key steps in the country's strategy to adapt to climate change and protect against water scarcity in the coming decades.