Cyprus Police to Purchase Two Additional Water Cannons to Manage Football Fans

The Cyprus Police are planning to purchase two more water cannons, along with other equipment, to manage football fans. The new equipment is intended to help prevent disturbances outside stadiums and in other confrontations between supporters.

In addition to the water cannons, the police have also issued tenders for the purchase of 200 vandal-proof and fire-resistant mattresses for state prisons, costing 43,000 euros, as well as three vans valued at 135,000 euros.

Each water cannon is estimated to cost just over 500,000 euros, bringing the total contract to 1,010,000 euros. This decision to acquire additional vehicles aims to ensure a quick response to incidents across all districts. The tender also includes training for operators and maintenance for the two vehicles, which are designed to be resistant to vandalism, non-flammable, and capable of spraying water over long distances.

The new water cannons will be stationed in Limassol and Larnaca, with the flexibility to be deployed to Paphos and Famagusta as needed.

Currently, the only water cannon, named "Ajax," is based in Nicosia and is deployed to other areas as required.

Initially, "Ajax" was used to disperse protesters during demonstrations against corruption and lockdown measures in Nicosia during the coronavirus pandemic.