Filenews 2 October 2021 - by Pambos Vasilas
Not even the rational use of sewerage systems can be boasted by Cypriots, based on statistics of the Larnaca Sewerage Board, presented to "F", by the Director of the Organization, Angelos Hadjicharalambous.
According to Mr. Hadjicharalambous, every year it is estimated by the Larnaca Sewerage Board that it bears additional operating costs for the treatment of the wastewater it manages, perhaps even more than 10%, due to materials that should not enter the system. Materials and objects responsible for blockages or greater damages that along with the time of their repair, are incorporated in the final analysis, in the accounts of each consumer who is connected to the system.
The materials that are illegally poured into the pipelines of the Larnaca Sewerage Board, according to Mr. Hadjicharalambous, start from simple used cooking oil that is rejected by households, as well as professional restaurants. However, there are also frequent cases where engineers and other professionals reject into the sewerage system used engine oils of all types or even worse caustic substances, which also create occlusions and other serious problems in the operation of the system, straining the equipment and the technical staff who will have to repair the damages.
The puzzle, in terms of the damage caused by liquid substances suffered by the network of the SAL, is completed by drivers of tankers for cesspool evacuation vehicles that very often discharge the septic sewage, as well as people who discharge lichen water that is found when the foundations of a building are dug.
Up to solid materials
Plastic objects and toys, cutlery, underwear, socks, wood, are not the only items that are disposed of in the pipelines of the Larnaca Sewerage Board, by citizens. "It may surprise some, but the technicians in the Organization are now used to occasionally spotting trousers, shirts, cardigans, and even cotton jackets. At a time when the recycling of clothes through bins that exist in almost every neighbourhood of cities, some apparently violate the sewage system's grates and throw these items in. What can I say, apart from the fact that the issue does indeed cause serious concern", underlined the director of the Larnaca Sewerage Board.
Mr. Hadjcharalambous stressed that the behaviour of Cypriots regarding the proper use of sewerage systems should be of concern to everyone, as it concerns not only the health, but also the pocket of consumers. "Some believe that by discarding frying oils, engine oils, caustic substances and other harmful materials in the sewerage systems, they are thus saving money. The answer is that, not only do they not save, but they themselves spend more and at the same time burden their fellow citizens, while endangering public health. Perhaps the time has come to undertake a nationwide campaign of enlightenment on the subject, as it seems that we are unaware of important information", said Mr. Hadjicharalambous.
Waste water in a Natura area
With the efforts to upgrade and protect the Larnaca Salt Lake, near the Hala Sultan mosque, slowly taking shape, at the same time, the completely opposite picture prevails southwest of the area is troubling.
It is one of the livestock areas of Dromolaxia, legal and with licensed livestock breeders. From this particular livestock area every winter a stream of almost one kilometre is formed, which carries fodder wastewater to the riverbed of Aliki, provoking the protests of the public.
This is expected to be repeated this winter, as no corrective action has been taken this year either.
Commenting on the issue, the Mayor of Larnaca, Andreas Vyras, pointed out that it is indeed an oxymoron, at a time when serious efforts are now being made to upgrade and protect Aliki, to observe this situation. And to discharge fodder waste water, in a Natura zone.
It is imperative, noted the Mayor of Larnaca, that the competent Departments of the Ministry of Agriculture examine what happens with the problem. While he reminded that at the point of Aliki where the wastewater from the livestock sector is discharged into its basin, the Tourism Development Company and the municipality are already instigating a project to promote the area.
Mr. Vyras also said that the fact that the great development provided for by the Environmental Centre and other infrastructures in Aliki should not be forgotten, a reason that makes the need to solve the problem with the livestock area of Dromolaxia even more urgent.
However, sources from the Municipality of Dromolaxia, make it clear that since the specific livestock area is legal and the livestock breeders in it, are licensed, the only way would be to move those causing the problem and provide compensation.
