The placement of umbrellas and other objects on the beach of Lara is unacceptable, since there is a ban by the competent authorities and relevant signage in the area. This was stressed by the Commissioner for the Environment, Elias Myrianthous, on the occasion of recent incidents and complaints, as well as the controversy that unfolded on social media on the issue.
Mr. Myrianthous had a meeting in the morning with the president of EOA Paphos, Charalambos Pittokopitis, with this issue being one of the main ones on the agenda. Speaking after the meeting to "F", the Commissioner for the Environment stressed that there were isolated actions of citizens that he described as unacceptable, while in contacts he had with the Department of Fisheries, as he told him, it was reported that on the day the umbrellas were placed on the protected beach, the park rangers hired to protect Akamas were not in the area.
Even when it is a duty, however, he noted, their working hours are few, which is why I believe that here we need to see how it is possible to monitor the areas more hours and more effectively. At the same time, the Commissioner also stressed, the fines that apply to similar violations of the laws are not a deterrent. We are talking about a fine of €50 which increases to €80 if the citizen commits a second illegality.
Mr. Myrianthous pointed out, however, that the incident with the umbrellas in Lara was an isolated case and stressed that in most cases the citizens who visit the area comply with the instructions and the necessary restrictions.
Referring to the issue and the complaints from both sides, the president of the EOA Paphos stressed for his part that some people are trying to cause a storm in a glass of water, as he put it.
There were two families who placed two umbrellas on the beach where such a thing is prohibited, emphasized Charalambos Pittokopitis. This simple thing is used by some as a firework to create a big issue, with pompous statements about the "Middle Ages", "invasion of Lara" and others that do not correspond to reality.
The paradox is, concluded the president of EOA Paphos, that all those shouting in this case, do not show the same sensitivity for the projects that should have been done in the area for years.
Referring in general to today's contacts at the Paphos EOA, the new Commissioner for the Environment told "F" that issues raised before them in the previous contacts with the Municipalities of the Paphos district, with irrigation issues, with the issue of creating a shelter for stray animals in Paphos and with issues of waste collection and management, were discussed.
Mr. Pittokopitis expressed the readiness of the EOA to immediately proceed with the licensing of the animal shelter, as is its responsibility, when it is specifically located. He also said that the Commissioner for the Environment was asked to contribute to the efforts for the construction and operation of a desalination plant in the Chrysochous apartment as well.
