For years, the state has tolerated the uncontrolled and illegal dumping of soil and rubble on a Turkish Cypriot plot in Mouttayaka and indicative of the prevailing situation was the complaint of MPs for the abolition of the state. Deterrence measures are taken in a trickle, which is attributed to threats against officials of the services involved, when they try to impose order.
The services involved shift the blame to each other, but the illegality continues without substantial measures being taken. The only move that seems to have been made all this time was the issuance of an out-of-court order when a truck was found dumping soil.
The issue, which was also discussed before the Parliamentary Committee on Refugees on February 10, resurfaces on the occasion of the answer of the Minister of Agriculture, Mrs. Maria Panagiotou (dated April 20) to a question by the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Refugees dated August 5, 2025.
As it was said in the Refugee Committee, the illegality is carried out by various people who are active in the transport of materials. It was also pointed out that the profit of the illegals is great, given that they are paid by their customers to dispose of the rubble in approved areas but unload it illegally without paying a cent.
The minister's response states that "Inspectors of the Department of Environment have carried out repeated on-site visits, from 2024 until today, to the plot in question and that during these visits violations of the Waste Laws of 2011 to 2026 were found, which concern the disposal of soil and construction and demolition waste without the required Waste Management Permit.
Ms. Panayiotou also states that these activities resulted in extensive embankments and significant alteration of the natural relief of the area. The Department of Environment, the minister continues, informed the competent bodies, including the Turkish Cypriot Property Management Service, given that the plot is Turkish Cypriot and has been leased exclusively for agricultural use.
"In addition, by letter dated 24.09.2025, the Limassol District Self-Government Organization was also informed, which was called to examine the case within the framework of its responsibilities."
According to the Minister, on 8.01.2026, the Department of Environment held a meeting with the participation of representatives of the EOA Limassol, the Turkish Cypriot Property Management Service and the local government (Municipality of Amathus, Deputy Mayor Mouttagiakas), with the aim of coordinating actions. In this context and taking into account all parameters, it was decided to collect all relevant data and submit a complaint to the Police Authorities. The complaint was submitted on 4.03.2026 to the Germasogeia Police Station, by Officers of the Department of Environment.
Furthermore, the minister states that on 18.02.2026, a meeting was held at the offices of the Limassol Police with the participation of all the co-competent services. During this meeting, it was decided to carry out sudden coordinated on-site checks on predetermined dates and times.
As the minister states, the inspections will be carried out in the presence of all competent bodies, so that in the event of a spontaneous detection of violations, the prescribed measures will be taken immediately, by each competent authority. The first coordinated inspection took place on 12.03.2026, during which a truck was located in the area, and an out-of-court settlement was issued.
In the minister's response, it is added that "the sudden inspections will continue and in case of detection of further violations, the Department of the Environment, in cooperation with the Police, will proceed to impose out-of-court settlements and/or submit a Report of Facts to the Attorney General of the Republic for taking criminal measures".
The Minister informs Mr. Kettiros that based on the current Legislation, Inspectors can impose out-of-court fines of up to €8,000, while the Chief Inspector can impose up to €40,000 depending on the severity of the offense. In case of conviction, the courts can impose penalties of up to €500,000.
He also informs him that the Department of Environment has proceeded with the creation of a separate Audit Branch, with the aim of strengthening inspections and the implementation of legislation. In this context, increased inspections are being carried out, while inspectors have been appointed in cooperation with local authorities, who contribute to the implementation of the relevant provisions of waste legislation.
"The issue is being closely monitored, in cooperation with all the co-competent authorities and the local government, with the aim of immediately putting an end to illegal discharges and taking the necessary remedial measures, in the context of the implementation of the current legislation," the minister concludes.
It is noted that MPs had called on the Minister of Justice to take action to enforce order.
