Alas: 40% Rise in İskele Water Demand Shows Poor Planning

Speaking on Kıbrıs Postası TV’s Gündem program with Ulaş Barış, Alas highlighted that İskele’s water demand rose by 40% in just one year, reflecting serious planning failures and the government’s lack of foresight. He emphasized the need for cooperation between the North and South on energy and environmental issues.

Agriculture Hit Hard by Inefficiency and Climate Change
Alas noted that farmers’ ability to adapt is weak amid recent climate shifts. The sector suffers from rising costs, labor-dependent inefficient production, and climate-related disadvantages. Instead of addressing these problems, focus has shifted to imports, which harms local farmers and contributes to inflation.

Global Cooperation Needed on Energy and Environmental Issues
Alas pointed out that neither diseases nor vectors respect borders, and stressed that North and South Cyprus must work together on energy and other critical matters. He also highlighted the need for local and municipal preparation to meet changing global environmental standards.

Water Crisis in İskele a Result of Poor Planning
Referring to the Ministry of Agriculture’s reports, Alas noted that from May 2024 to May 2025, İskele’s water demand increased by 40% within a single year. He described this as evidence of poor planning, lack of vision, and government mismanagement, saying population growth has not been properly calculated, causing uncontrolled pressure on resources.

Future-Focused Policies Needed
Regarding the “Project of the Century” to supply water from Turkey, Alas said the plan is costly, and alternative solutions such as utilizing underground water sources are being explored. He concluded by emphasizing long-term planning, stating, “The tree you plant today will grow in 50 years,” advocating for policies that consider the future rather than immediate gains.