The Mia Milia wastewater treatment project has resurfaced as a vital solution to Cyprus’ escalating water shortages. Following a trilateral meeting involving President Nikos Christodoulides, Tufan Erhurman, and UN Secretary General envoy Maria Angela Holguin, discussions have rekindled commitments that had remained stagnant for years.
Mia milia: Political Will to Move Forward
Dr Michael Loizidis, a member of the bicommunal technical committee on the environment, shared insights with the Cyprus Mail, stating that recent talks have revitalised political commitments towards the project. Although no final contractual agreement has been established yet, both sides have shown a practical commitment to advancing the initiative.
Current Status and Historical Context
The Mia Milia plant, located in northern Nicosia, processes approximately 12 million tonnes of wastewater annually. Dr Loizidis noted that this volume is sufficient to alleviate pressure on local water supplies and satisfy a significant portion of Nicosia’s irrigation requirements. Despite being operational since 2013, treated water has largely gone unused for over a decade due to political reasons.
“For purely political reasons, this water has been discarded year after year,” Loizidis explained, highlighting the urgency of the situation. According to a 2011 agreement, 70 per cent of the treated water was designated for the Republic, with the remaining 30 per cent allocated to the north. Instead, much of the effluent has been discharged into the Pedeos river that divides the city.
Finances and Infrastructure Challenges
Loizidis pointed out that Greek Cypriots are already contributing financially to the Mia Milia project under the existing water distribution agreement, emphasising that the current discussions are merely about fulfilling long-standing commitments. He traced the origins of the project back to sewage cooperation agreements established around 50 years ago by former Nicosia mayors, Lellos Demetriades and Mustafa Akinci.
Mia Milia stands as one of the most significant confidence-building measures agreed upon by both communities, and Loizidis urged that the time has come to implement the agreement. “We are effectively in breach of this agreement by not implementing what was agreed. Now is the opportunity to finally put all the parts together,” he remarked.
Technical Feasibility and Next Steps
The main impediments to the project are no longer political but technical. The plant operates efficiently and employs advanced membrane technology, producing water suitable for agricultural use. Approximately 80 per cent of the sewage treated originates from the Greek Cypriot side of Nicosia.
However, additional infrastructure remains to be constructed, notably two new reservoirs in Potamia and Athienou. These reservoirs represent the most substantial technical hurdle, with costs expected to reach several million euros. Treated water would need to be transported through about 10 kilometres of pipelines to the existing Vathia Gonia facility near Potamia.
The total cost of the piping and associated works on both sides is estimated to be between 15 and 20 million euros. The project is financed by the EU, which is also anticipated to support infrastructure works up to the connection point in the north.
Potential Impact and Environmental Considerations
If approvals are granted and construction begins swiftly, Loizidis anticipates that implementation could be completed within a year. This would enable treated water to reach Potamia, Athienou, and parts of western Nicosia, benefiting farmers and addressing discrepancies in water availability.
Concerns regarding salinity in the water supplies and potential harm to soil quality have been dismissed by Loizidis as unlikely. “I cannot imagine this ever becoming a problem,” he stated, noting that water quality is regularly monitored on both sides and must adhere to strict agricultural and chemical standards.
Urgency for Action
Loizidis expressed a strong desire for the lost decade to be rectified swiftly. “For years this issue was pushed aside; it wasn’t perceived as a priority,” he said. “Now, in light of shortages and droughts, it is impossible to ignore. This project can deliver real benefits if we finally move from words to action.”