Filenews 6 April 2023
The Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Petros Xenofontos, had his first meeting with the Chairman and the members of the House Standing Committee on the Environment today. The Minister had the opportunity to present the priorities of the Government and the Ministry regarding environmental issues. As Mr. Xenophontos said in his statements after the end of the meeting, it took place in a constructive atmosphere and the will to further develop the already good communication was expressed on both sides, with the aim of taking substantial decisions on the environment in the interest of citizens and future generations.
The Minister acknowledged that the challenges in the field of the environment are many and complex. "For the Christodoulides Government, the implementation of policies focusing on environmental conservation is a high priority, with the ultimate goal of transforming Cyprus into a clean, green country, with proper management of natural resources, in the context of the circular economy, where the environment will be protected and preserved for generations today and the future," he said. said Mr. Xenophontos.
1. Management of Pentakomo OEDA
Then, the competent Minister, summarizing the priorities that have been set, referred primarily to the issue of the Pentakomo OEDA, saying that "there is a big problem, which we have undertaken to solve with a modern strategy and we will inform the Parliament about the steps we will follow". The aim is to upgrade the Plant in order to become proper and productive in the context of waste management in Cyprus.
2. Relocation of asphalt plants
In relation to the relocation of asphalt units, the Minister underlined that for the purposes of development and maintenance of the road network and for the safe transport of persons and services, asphalt units need to be available. "Inevitably they have to settle somewhere and this is what we are trying, in cooperation with all stakeholders, to resolve in order to finally finalize this problem that exists," explained Mr. Xenofontos.
3. Akamas National Forest Park
Regarding the Akamas National Forest Park, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment noted that several things have been done. However, the issue concerning compensatory measures remains outstanding. "A working group has been appointed, which has started the process and will deliver to the interministerial committee by the end of June its recommendations, with costed incentives, which will be given to both the Communities and the owners of agricultural land," the Minister said.
4. Protection of forests against fires
Our goal, Mr. Xenofontos stressed, is for all competent departments of the state to prepare a comprehensive study regarding the flying means, as well as all other firefighting means, which the Republic of Cyprus has, so that there will be a holistic effective response to fires next year. He added that for this year's fire season "we are ready and working intensively so that the flying means will be received so that we can deal with the fires from May 1st."
5. Sewerage works
Regarding the development of sewerage projects, the Minister noted that there is a steady course, so that by 2030 we will be able to complete the works under way.
6. Directorate-General for the Environment
The purpose of the Directorate-General for the Environment is to create an Authority so that we can fully meet our goals and objectives on climate change and the environment, through better and more efficient operation of the structures.
Finally, asked about the next steps in relation to the relocation of asphalt units, Mr. Xenophontos noted that at this stage there is nothing to be announced, and added that in the coming days a meeting will be held with the Ministers of Interior and Finance to determine the next goals and parameters.
