Pafos Live 7 October 2025
The quality of life in a city is not only reflected in large projects and impressive infrastructure, but mainly in the care of the basic and daily needs of the citizen. Cleanliness, hygiene and proper management of public space are the mirror of the operation of a Municipality and its relationship with the citizens.
An issue that afflicts the local community of Paphos on a daily basis is the lack of public toilets in key parts of the city, e.g. on pedestrian streets, public parks, parking lots and central parts of public spaces. This is an issue that is directly related to public health and respect for the resident and the visitor. Although steps have been taken and some solutions have been implemented, the essential solution to the problem is the creation, construction and operation of an organized, clean and dignified network of public toilets throughout the territory of the municipal area.
At the same time, another big and complex problem that we are called upon to deal with today concerns public cleaning and waste management. The situation in Paphos has improved significantly in recent years. The streets, squares and neighbourhoods present a better picture, the result of the coordinated work of the Municipality of Paphos and the Cleaning Service, whose employees work with honour and patience to keep the city clean. We must recognize this effort, as it is being made under difficult conditions and with limited means, but with a high sense of responsibility.
Despite the improvement, there are serious shortages in equipment and infrastructure. In many areas of the city, such as the coastal front, pedestrian streets, public parks, densely populated neighbourhoods, the tourist zone with hotels, the historic center and public parking lots, there is a shortage of waste bins, both small and large. Especially in the commercial center of Paphos, where in recent years a new, vibrant urban reality has developed with restaurants, cafes, bars, guesthouses and tourist accommodation, the need for a modern and more efficient cleaning system is more urgent than ever.
The absence of sufficient bins and the often inadequate collection create images that do not honour our city, degrade public spaces and sometimes create unsightly conditions and a strong stench. At the same time, the lack of adequate and modern garbage trucks and compactors limits the possibility of effective collection, especially in periods of increased traffic or peak tourism. The result, often, is the overflow of bins and the unpleasant image that does not do justice to Paphos.
The problem is of course not only aesthetic, it is also functional, environmental and health. To deal with this, a targeted plan is needed to upgrade the cleaning fleet, with new, modern vehicles and equipment, as well as an expansion of the bin network in all districts. The new bins must be placed with proper design, in places that serve the citizens without creating visual pollution. It is important to
be integrated with aesthetically pleasing constructions, in order to keep up with the character of each area and enhance the image of the city.
Cleanliness for a city is not a luxury, on the contrary, it is an indicator of culture. And Paphos, with its historical weight and its tourist importance, must always be high in this index. Our Municipality has proven that it has the will and ability to move forward, with projects and initiatives that substantially improve everyday life. The staff of the Municipality, with professionalism and honour, makes a difference every day.
Our responsibility, as Municipal Councillors and as active citizens, is to identify the problems with a clear eye, to highlight the needs and to support every effort to improve. With a plan, perseverance and cooperation we can continue to upgrade our city, emphasizing the small, but decisive details that make the difference in everyday life.
Our Paphos has made strides, and I am sure that it can do even more. With respect for public space, with care for cleanliness and with faith in our strengths, we can keep our city clean, humane and beautiful. To turn Paphos into a city, worthy of its history and future.
Philip Th. Filippou
Civil Engineer
Municipal Councilor of EDEK in the Municipality of Paphos
President of the Committee on Technical Issues and Projects
