Capacity in the island’s dams has reached 91%, compared to 60% last year, the government has announced, adding that this year, due to a decrease in the demand from the desalination plants, costs are falling.

Speaking after Monday’s Cabinet meeting, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said the Cabinet approved the distribution of the water reserves for 2012.

The Spokesman said that water reserves for this year have reached 264 million cubic metres, compared to 173 million last year, with reserves reaching 91% compared to 60% last year.

He said that the government programme on managing water resources included the provision of sufficient water supplies to everybody, without dependence on rain, a goal that has been achieved.

Stephanou said legislation on unified water management, prepared and approved by the government, correct water management has been achieved allowing for satisfying quantities to cover irrigation needs and potable water supply.

He also said the government has completed its desalination plant programme, covering the island’s needs.

 This year’s planning, he added, will save water, allowing for a rational distribution of available water reserves in the dams, the desalination plants and other sources.