During a press conference yesterday, Agriculture Minister Costas Themistocleous stated that during the current year there have no water cutbacks. Figures show that for 2001 so far an average of 160 litres per day has been used by households, 12 million cubic metres more than the previous year. The international average is 150 litres per day per household.

Mr. Themistocleous confirmed that Water Boards are requesting an increase to water rates, something which has not happened since 1993. Recently the Cabinet approved the necessary Bill for the formation of a Water Authority which will regulate more sensibly the development and management of water resources, in line with alignment with the EU. The Authority will be made up of the Ministry's existing Water Development Department, which will be renamed and restructured. An advisory committee will also be set up, comprising farmers' unions, local administration, the Technical Chamber, the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, consumers and other representative organisations.