The public announcement for the universal implementation of the "Pay As You Throw" (PDO) system from January 1, 2027, without prior substantial consultation and agreement with the Local Government, raises serious questions and reasonable concern, the Union of Cyprus Municipalities states in a statement.
As he notes, the Union of Municipalities has repeatedly stressed that such an important project cannot be promoted through public positions and unilateral timetables. "It requires integrated planning, institutional dialogue and, above all, ensuring the necessary infrastructure, adequate funding and equipment," it states.
The public positions of the competent Department of Environment, he adds, highlight serious contradictions in the planning.
"On the one hand, the mandatory implementation of the PDO within a few months is announced and, on the other hand, it is recognized that basic conditions for its operation have not yet been ensured. It is indicative that a new state treatment plant, amounting to €20 million, has not yet been located," it is noted.
Of particular concern is the fact that, at the start of the system, there is no provision for separate collection of organic waste from households. As noted by the Union of Municipalities, the philosophy of PDO is based on the ability of the citizen to separate his waste, reduce mixed waste and, by extension, his charge.
"Without the collection of organics from households, this possibility is significantly limited and there is a serious risk that an environmental tool will turn into an additional financial burden for citizens," he underlines.
Local Government and citizens, it is pointed out, cannot be called upon to bear the financial cost of delays and deficiencies in state infrastructure, which are a basic condition for the effective and fair implementation of the system.
The Union of Cyprus Municipalities has already requested an official meeting with the new Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment. As he states, the immediate presentation of a comprehensive and applicable national plan is required, with a clear timetable, adequate funding and a clear division of responsibilities.
It emphasizes that the green transition is a common goal and a necessity, however, it cannot be achieved with unilateral announcements and timetables that do not correspond to the real possibilities of implementation.
It also states that the Government must first ensure the necessary infrastructure and resources and that Municipalities and citizens cannot pay the cost of state unpreparedness.
