One of the first issues that the five representatives of the province of Paphos will face in the House of Representatives, when they officially take office, will be that of the ever-increasing voices and demands for compensatory benefits to the Local Government authorities from the operation of Paphos airport.
The issue began to enter the agenda of Paphos, after the relevant moves by local authorities of the province of Larnaca adjacent to its airport, however it "rose" high on the local agenda after last year's record traffic of the airport and the parallel increase in activities at the air base that greatly increased the corresponding nuisance in a kilometer zone around the unit. At the same time, the start of the expansion works of Paphos International Airport is viewed by the local authorities in the wider area as indicative of the expected further consequences on the daily life and quality of life of their citizens.
The request for the provision of compensatory measures has already been submitted by the Municipal Council of Ierokipia unanimously and it was decided to seek cooperation and coordination with the Municipality of Larnaca and the Municipality of Dromolaxia-Meneou, which are facing the same problems.
The operation of Paphos Airport offers significant economic benefits, but at the same time brings environmental, social and other impacts that affect the standard of living of the residents of the area, the authorities of the Municipality of Ierokipia point out. Some of them are environmental pollution, noise pollution, limiting development and business activity.
The Municipality of Ierokipia could, as compensation for these effects, claim the imposition of a special fee per passenger, the financing of infrastructure projects, tree plantings and green zones, the improvement of the road network for better access to the airport, the financing of social and cultural actions, they state. These compensatory measures will help to balance the benefits and impacts of the operation of the airport, ensuring the sustainable development of the area and the quality of life of the residents, they argue.
