Criticism over Water Allocation to Golf Courses Amid Drought

The decision of the Department of Water Development to allocate over 6.5 million cubic meters of water to five golf courses from 2019 to date, amidst a severe drought in Cyprus, is sparking reactions. Agricultural organizations are expressing strong dissatisfaction, while AKEL is launching an attack on the government.

Tasos Giapanis, General Secretary of the Panagrotikos Association, stated that agricultural organizations have requested the reduction or even cessation of outflows to golf courses. According to Fileleftheros, 400,000 cubic meters of recycled water were allocated in 2024 for the irrigation of the golf courses.

AKEL accuses the government of allocating large quantities of water to specific individuals, while the country faces a serious water crisis and potential water cuts. They are demanding the immediate cessation of all water supply from state reserves to golf courses.

Agricultural organizations have requested an urgent meeting with the President of the Republic regarding the water problem, but have not yet received a response. Tasos Giapanis emphasized the need for immediate solutions, as the dam occupancy is approximately 10%.