Filenews 6 April 2023 - by Angelos Nicolaou
The big problem of the Pentakomo Integrated Solid Household Waste Management Facilities (OEDA), which has been described as a resounding failure for the state, should be managed by the new government. According to "F's" information, there is no other way out than to terminate the operation contract of the unit and take it over by the state. Essentially, the actions being studied are for a competent government department to undertake the management of the unit, which will employ the existing staff.
The issue of the Limassol OEDA was first in the assessment of the Minister of Environment, Petros Xenophontos, in his first meeting with the parliamentary committee on the Environment. Briefing the members of the Committee, the minister said 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." He explained that a definitive and permanent solution must be found, stressing that there is no justification for this factory to be there. Given that the plant is an important parameter in the Municipal Waste Management Plan 2022-2028 to achieve the goals set, the need to find solutions for its proper operation is imperative. Our goal, he said, is to upgrade the unit, as he pointed out that actions are being taken in this direction.
Presenting the priorities of the Government and the Ministry regarding environmental issues, he mentioned the relocation of asphalt units as a second big bet. After explaining that the construction and maintenance of a safe road network are necessary conditions for the safety of people and products, he pointed out that in order to achieve this, asphalt concrete production is needed and it is in this context that we are looking for the best possible solutions for the installation of asphalt units. On the issue, he said, we are cooperating with the Ministry of Interior, so that the relevant procedures that have been set in motion for the relocation of the units to the new areas can proceed, in accordance with the decision of the Council of Ministers. In the coming days, he noted, a meeting will be held with the ministers of interior and finance to determine the next goals and parameters.
Referring to the issue of asphalt siting, the chairman of the parliamentary committee on the environment, Charalambos Theopemptou, questioned why the government does not cooperate with the Department of Meteorology to submit measurements with the direction of the wind during the year in all parts of Cyprus and to show which areas are affected in order to indicate to asphalt companies the best locations. In response, the director of the Department of Meteorology, Kleanthis Nicolaides, said that the wind field in Cyprus is such that wherever the asphalt is placed, they will affect someone.
Regarding the Akamas National Forest Park, Mr. Xenofontos said that it is a very important project, for which various actions are in progress concerning the improvement of the road network, the provision of the necessary equipment and personnel, the approval of entry fees, hunting regulation issues, etc. Also, he said, an important chapter is the formulation of compensatory measures for landowners and local communities within the framework of the Local Plan. For the definition of a Compensatory Measures Plan, a working group has been set up under the coordination of the Ministry of Interior and recommendations are awaited. He added that the group has started the process and will deliver its recommendations to the inter-ministerial committee by the end of June, with costed incentives, which will be given to both communities and owners of agricultural land.
Furthermore, the competent minister conveyed to the members of the Environment Committee the Government's commitment to the issue of protecting forests from fires. Our goal, he said, is the timely design of an effective roadmap, with a clear separation of responsibilities of stakeholders, so as to strengthen the field of fire prevention, utilizing national resources, European mechanisms and regional cooperation. Despite important steps towards strengthening the system for fighting fires, it is acknowledged that there is still room for improvement. He underlined that through the Recovery and Resilience Plan, which has included an amount of approximately €25 million, "we seek to further shield the Department of Forests by introducing tools and equipment of modern technologies, strengthening the unit of flying means and air firefighting, human resources and building facilities".
Golf goes to Parliament in Protaras
Questions on the concession of forest land in Protaras for the construction of a golf course, as well as on the urban relaxations for the Sun City project in the Municipality of Sotira, 10 days before the presidential elections, were submitted by the chairman of the Environment Committee, Charalambos Theopemptou, pointing out whether the Government intends to revoke the decisions. He added that the issue of golf would be discussed in the parliamentary environment committee. On the issue of golf, the Minister said that he was informed through the press reports of the last few days, and reserved the right to respond after examining the case.
In relation to the relaxations decided by the previous Council of Ministers to give extra floors to a hotel in the Municipality of Sotira, Mr. Xenofontos said that the Department of Environment replied to the Department of Town Planning and is waiting for the official response of the Department.
Another axis mentioned by the competent Minister in Parliament concerns sewerage works. As he said, the time horizon for the completion of the projects to meet the obligations is 2030 according to the latest action plan approved by the Council of Ministers. The Water Development Department maintains close cooperation in handling the issue with the relevant departments of the Ministry of Interior and Finance, as well as with the sewerage boards. In addition, he said, the Water Development Department is promoting sewerage projects in rural settlements that have a population of less than 2,000.
In relation to dealing with drought, Mr. Xenofontos pointed out that this winter was mild with low rainfall, which is expected to reinforce the phenomenon of water scarcity. Based on the data, in the first quarter of 2023, the quantities stored in the South Pipeline dams reach approximately 65%, Paphos 78%, Polis Chrysochous 75% and Nicosia 90%. In order to deal with the drought, he said, we are promoting a series of measures, such as the completion by 2026-2028 of the projects to enhance water security in the districts of Nicosia, Larnaka and Famagusta (pipelines Vasilikos-Nicosia, Kokkinokremmos, Choirokoitia-Famagusta), the projects for the use of recycled water (2025-2026) and the planning for the creation of new projects for water supply, use of recycled water and irrigation.
Referring to the General Directorate of Environment, he noted that the aim through its creation is to achieve environmental goals through better and more efficient operation of structures. Asked about the Game and Fauna Service, he said that "theoretically it will come under the general directorate of environment".
In conclusion, he said 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 top priority, with the ultimate goal of transforming Cyprus into a clean, green country, with proper management of natural resources, within the framework of the circular economy, and the environment will be protected and preserved for generations today and the future," he concluded.
INTERVENTION
Enigma the handling by the new government
The Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment appeared particularly attentive in his first session of the parliamentary committee on the Environment to the huge issues he is called upon to address. Among the issues raised yesterday, we highlight two environmental scandals on which decisions were taken by the previous government shortly before its departure: the legalization of additional floors in Sun City and the lease of forest land for the purpose of creating a golf course. We therefore expect the new Government to follow the beaten path, i.e. to expose itself and undermine itself in the same way as the previous one, or whether it will follow another path in an effort to ensure transparency, safeguard the public interest and protect the natural environment. LAW.
