Turkish Cypriots warm to provide water for Greek side

The Greek Cypriots, who had earlier rejected offers to receive water from Turkey, could benefit from the fresh water provided by the planned water pipeline that would link Turkey with drought-hit northern Cyprus, Durali Elal, a Turkish Cypriot environment official told Reuters

 

Turkish Cypriots believe the 60 kilometer (37 mile) pipeline running between southern Turkey and northern Cyprus could carry up to 75 million cubic meters of water annually, of which, 15 million cubic meters is to be used to provide drinking water and the remainder for irrigation.

 

"The planning phase of the project will be completed by the end of this year," Elal said, adding bids for the project will start in 2009 and construction could be launched in the same year.

 

Elal said the pipeline could easily meet Turkish Cypriot water needs.

 

"If there is the demand, we could provide water for our neighbors as well, including south Cyprus," he added.

 

The pipeline, to be laid some 250 meters below sea level, suspended above the extremely deep seabed, will cost an estimated $400 to $450 million which Turkey will pay, Elal said.

 

ALAKOPRU DAM

Turkey plans to build a dam on a creek in the Mediterranean region to carry fresh water to the northern side of the island, according to the project.

 

The Alakopru Dam will be constructed on Dragon Creek in Anamur town of the Mediterranean province of Mersin and is planned to be completed within three years once the construction works are started.

 

Cyprus is suffering one of its worst droughts in modern history. The Greek Cypriots, who rejected to receive water from Turkey, have been trying to supply the southern part of the divided island through tankers bringing water from Greece.

 

The annual capacity of the planned pipeline is expected greatly exceed the amount needed by Northern Cyprus. Since the planning phase began, it has been suggested that the surplus could be offered to the southern Greek Cypriot region as a goodwill gesture to speed up the peace process.Â

 

A dry winter has reduced Cyprus' water reserves in the island's reservoirs to 7.5 percent of capacity, a third of 2007. In March, authorities on both sides imposed water supply cuts on households.  

 

Photo: Hurriyet Archives