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Cyprus To Build €17 Million Reservoirs For Irrigation Supply

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 23, 2026

Addressing Critical Irrigation Needs

The Department of Water Development has embarked on a transformative project in the Vathiagia area, destined to resolve the irrigation challenges faced by hundreds of farmers. With a budget of €17 million, the initiative involves constructing two massive earthen reservoirs with a combined capacity of 3,000,000 cubic meters. These reservoirs will store reclaimed water from the Mia Milia intercommunal treatment facility, ensuring a reliable supply during the winter months.

Modernizing Infrastructure In Tandem

The project is being developed alongside the upgrade of the main sewage pipeline in Mia Milia, replacing infrastructure that has been in place since 1972. Funded by the European Union and implemented by the Nicosia District Administration in coordination with state authorities, the upgrade will allow treated water to be redirected to government-controlled areas, including the Kaimakli Industrial Zone. Daily supply is expected to reach around 21,000 cubic meters by the end of the year.

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A Comprehensive €80 Million Infrastructure Plan

The reservoirs form part of a broader €80 million programme that also includes pumping stations, transfer pipelines and expanded irrigation networks across Mesaochia, Dali and Athienou. Current demand is estimated at 4.5 million cubic meters, while the new infrastructure is expected to increase annual supply to more than 10.1 million cubic meters, supporting further agricultural activity.

Benefiting Communities And Enhancing Resource Management

Farmers in Idalio, Potamia and Limbi are expected to benefit directly, while municipalities such as Gerio and Latsia will use reclaimed water for green areas. The water is suitable for most crops, with the exception of leafy vegetables and produce consumed raw.

A Model Of Cross-Community Cooperation

The operational costs of the Mia Milia Treatment Plant are split 70% for the Republic of Cyprus and 30% for the Turkish Cypriot community. This arrangement stands as a concrete example of shared resource management. Correspondingly, 70% of the generated reclaimed water, equating to 21,000 cubic meters daily, will be transported via pipeline to the new reservoirs in Vathiagia.

Environmental Commitment And Renewable Energy Integration

The site previously contained industrial waste reservoirs, which required an environmental assessment. Elevated levels of nickel and zinc were identified in the soil, leading to an on-site remediation process costing €370,000. The treated soil will be reused in construction, while photovoltaic systems are planned to support energy needs and reduce operational costs.

Supporting Biodiversity And Circular Economy Initiatives

Located near the Natura 2000 area “Alykos Potamos – Agios Sozomenos,” the project has been assessed to ensure limited environmental impact. The reservoirs are expected to provide a consistent water source for local bird populations. At the same time, the use of reclaimed water supports broader efforts to reuse wastewater in agriculture.

Ongoing Coordination With Local Stakeholders

Planning has involved consultations with farmers and local authorities to align infrastructure development with local needs. Construction is expected to begin once permits are issued, starting with the eastern reservoir, with a capacity of 1.4 million cubic meters.

Looking Ahead

Upon completion, this project marks a significant step forward for Cyprus. It not only enhances water resource management but also reinforces a collaborative framework for shared natural resources. Cyprus is poised to transform wastewater into a valuable ally in agricultural sustainability and economic growth.

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Apple Schedules October 28 Event As Focus Shifts To Pro Devices And Macs

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 20, 2026

Apple has invited media and analysts to an event in Los Angeles on October 28, signalling a new product launch focused on its high-end devices. The company described the gathering as an “Apple Experience in Los Angeles”, accompanied by the teaser line “Pro and tell”.

The wording suggests a focus on professional-grade products, potentially powered by Apple’s latest in-house chips. The event also comes as the company appears to be moving towards a more frequent product launch schedule under chief executive John Ternus.

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A More Aggressive Launch Rhythm

Ben Reitzes, an analyst at Melius Research, said in a Monday note that he expects Apple to unveil new Macs this autumn, including what he described as a touchscreen notebook. He also suggested that Ternus is introducing a “meaningful shift” from the two major annual events that characterised the Tim Cook era.

The October showcase will be Apple’s third product event under Ternus, who succeeded Cook last month. Previous launches included new iPhones, among them the foldable Duo, as well as a separate New York event focused on smart home hubs and HomeView, a screen-equipped speaker.

Macs Move Back Into Focus

Apple refreshed the Mac Mini and Mac Studio with new chips in August and updated the MacBook Pro in the spring, alongside the lower-priced MacBook Neo. The iMac, however, has not received an update since October 2024, leaving room for further announcements.

Mac revenue accounted for roughly 10% of Apple’s total sales in the most recent quarter, highlighting the iPhone’s continued importance to the business. Nevertheless, Macs have become one of the company’s stronger assets in artificial intelligence, partly because their chips can access more memory at higher speeds than many consumer processors.

AI Partnerships Add Strategic Significance

Apple’s Mac strategy is gaining importance as the company develops its artificial intelligence offering. Last week, Apple and Meta announced a partnership to bring a large open-weight model developed by Meta to multiple high-end Mac Studio systems.

A potential move towards touchscreen laptops would also mark a departure from Apple’s historical position. In 2018, software chief Craig Federighi argued that the ergonomics of touchscreen laptops could fatigue users, reflecting the company’s long-standing resistance to the format.

Apple shares have risen 26% this year, outperforming the S&P 500 as investors continue to respond to the company’s hardware margins and evolving AI strategy.

The October 28 event will provide another indication of how Ternus plans to reshape Apple’s product cycle and position its premium devices in an increasingly competitive technology market.