YTIRIS DOES NOT BACK DOWN - Filenews 23/9 by Michalis Chatzivasilis
This time, the competent minister does not back down on the choice of space regarding the construction of new Central Prisons, despite the reactions that have arisen from affected municipalities.
Costas Fytiris is preparing a letter to the municipalities of South Nicosia - Dali and Latsia - Geri, in which he will respond to their reactions, while stating his willingness to discuss their objections and at the same time present the master plan when it is ready. Also, the intentions are to upgrade the archaeological site located in Agios Sozomenos so that it can be visited by citizens.
The Minister of Justice is willing to meet with the affected mayors to submit their suggestions and proposals for the proper functioning of the penitentiary, as well as possible changes that do not affect the daily life of the citizens. According to his statements to Alpha, the minister stated that the space has been chosen, it is far from the residential area and the prisons will not burden the area, on the contrary, they will upgrade and highlight it. It will be a closed system and will not burden the residents with a riot. It is seven kilometers away from residents, he said. The Minister of Justice wondered why there are so many reactions to the new Central Prisons, which have been operating in the "heart" of Nicosia for the last hundred years, with neighbours who do not complain.
Referring to the abandonment of the option, he said that the European Development Bank saw the plot and what he told us is that there would be high costs for the road network, electricity transmission, sewerage and water supply. In Agios Sozomenos there are high voltage pylons, so it helps us reduce costs, there is infrastructure and a road network. These are the factors. The penitentiary must be built somewhere and this is the best option, he concluded.
In the meantime, the Movement of Ecologists - Citizens' Cooperation is cautious and concerned about the information, according to which the relocation of the Central Prison to the area of the community of Agios Sozomenos is planned. As he states, the information that the site that has been selected affects an area that has been designated as protected under the European Habitats Directive and has been included in the Natura 2000 Network is of particular concern.
