The approval by the Council of Ministers for the granting of minor aid totaling €270.000 to the professional fishermen of the Liopetri Fishing Refuge as a sign of recognition of the consequences caused to them by the non-completion of the projects at the Fishing Refuge, was announced on Wednesday by the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Dr. Maria Panayiotou.
Ms. Panayiotou, also asked about the low occupancy of the dams and the possibility of water cuts, said that it is a possibility, "which we are trying to avoid, but it is not something that I can tell you at this time whether it will happen or not."
In statements after the Council of Ministers meeting, the Minister of Agriculture stated that the Government's commitment is to support the primary sector, of which fishing is a part.
"Today, the Council of Ministers approved a proposal by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment to grant minor aid to professional fishermen of the Liopetri River Fishing Refuge, as a sign of recognition of the consequences caused to professional fishermen by the non-completion of the Fishing Refuge projects," he added.
Specifically, said Ms. Panayiotou, the proposal includes the granting of aid totaling €270.000 for the period from the start of work, i.e. September 2020 until the year 2025, to a total of 27 affected professional fishermen, who will receive €10.000 each.
Responding to a question about the current status of the project, the Minister of Agriculture stated that the contract is being handled by the Department of Urban Planning and Housing of the Ministry of Interior, noting that since the public procurement process is underway, "it is more appropriate not to say publicly how the contractual part will proceed."
"The Government's priority is certainly to move forward, as the President stated at the regional (meeting) in Famagusta, with projects that aim to help professional fishermen become more active. There are some projects related to the road and some quays, so these are the ones we are aiming to have completed quickly in the coming months," he added.
Low dam occupancy
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Asked about the concerns expressed about the low level of dams and the possibility of water cuts, Ms. Panayiotou said that this issue "not only worries us, but it is something for which we are taking measures and moving forward with all the procedures and scenarios that are needed."
Saying that the Department of Water Development, as the competent Authority, is promoting the process for mobile desalination units, the Minister of Agriculture noted that at the same time they are moving forward with the entire program of 28 Actions, which had been approved by the Council of Ministers.
"As you know, the Government's intention is to become independent from weather conditions in terms of meeting water supply needs, and this will be achieved with the completion of the program. In the meantime, however, we are following all technically possible solutions that can be implemented in the immediate future in order to provide some relief, but it is technically difficult. You understand that we are going through the third year of drought, the eighth worst in terms of the last 50 years," he added.
The state, continued Ms. Panayiotou, "is doing everything possible to enable us to continue to cover water supply needs at 100%, but in order to achieve this goal, a comprehensive effort from everyone is needed, whether it concerns Local Authorities or each citizen in how they manage water in their home."
He also reminded that at the moment, "our irrigators, that is, our farmers, who are experiencing a 50% reduction in water, are under great pressure. We have already proceeded with some compensation, in cooperation with the EU, we have a €15 million envelope, which will enable them to receive money as compensation for the loss of income."
"However, this is a relief, the solution to the problem is what we are aiming for, and it will be done through the 28 Actions program. We are continuing its implementation, yes, we have a difficult summer coming up, we are continuing our efforts with all technically possible solutions, but it requires effort and cooperation from everyone," he added.
Responding to a question about whether the possibility of water cuts is visible, especially in the summer, Ms. Panayiotou said that "it is a possibility that we are trying to avoid, but it is not something that I can tell you at this time whether it will happen or not."
"The Department of Water Development has informed us that it is a possibility that we are currently trying to avoid with all possible technical solutions," he concluded.
Source: KYPE
