Representatives and residents of the eight communities directly affected by the planned construction of an asphalt plant in the Mitsero, as the Court is expected to rule on the request to suspend construction.
Furthermore, on Sunday morning, a protest rally was held on the Agios Ioannis–Kato Moni road, with residents and members of the initiative group “Communities in Action” calling for a suspension of work on the relocation of the asphalt plant to Mitsero.
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Police measures for today’s teachers’ protest
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The protest focused on the site where work has already begun on the installation of the plant, which is to be relocated from Tseri.
The eight communities directly affected are Mitsero, Agrokipia, Malounda, Arediu, Agios Ioannis, Kato Moni, Orounta, and Menoiko.
Speaking to KYPE on the occasion of today’s rally, the Community Leader of Agrokiopia, Sotiris Kyriakou, described the mobilization as a “great success,” noting that “there were quite a few people” and that the protest took place peacefully.
“We conveyed all the messages we wanted to convey,” he said, while thanking the police for ensuring smooth traffic flow and the media for their presence.
The Community Leader of Agrokipia argued that the area is already heavily burdened by a range of activities and expressed his strong opposition to the establishment of yet another disruptive activity.
“We have a huge problem,” he said, referring to the existing activities in the area.
As he noted, multiple quarries are already operating in the area, while there are “over a hundred disruptive developments,” including livestock and poultry farms, as well as slaughterhouses.
He also referred to an earlier request by the communities for the construction of a wastewater treatment plant, which, as he said, could simultaneously generate energy.
He argued that despite the fact that, as he put it, approved funding of over €30 million was available, the project did not move forward.
“No official in this government was interested in carrying out the program or advancing the project to build this plant,” he said, arguing that such infrastructure could help “relieve congestion” in the area.
He also expressed strong concerns about air quality and the potential impact of the asphalt plant’s operation on an already heavily polluted area.
“Just so you know, the temperature inside these enclosed factories reaches 160 degrees,” he said, questioning whether the proposed solutions can be effectively implemented under Cyprus’s climatic conditions.
He also argued that residents are already facing problems with dust and odors and expressed fears that the plant’s operation would exacerbate the situation.
“The particles contained within are highly carcinogenic,” he said, adding that, combined with the dust already present in the area, “it creates a toxic mixture.”
He linked residents’ concerns to the issue of the health of local children, saying that “we are jeopardizing our children’s future.”
He went on to say that residents will continue to protest and demand that the work be suspended.
“If we don’t react and if we allow them to proceed, we are criminals,” he said, adding that “those who serve vested interests” are, in his view, responsible for the situation.
“We are awaiting the suspension order”
Regarding tomorrow’s hearing before the Supreme Court, the Community Leader expressed his hope that an order suspending the work will be issued, so that there will be time for dialogue with the government.
“We expect that an order to suspend the work will be issued,” he said.
As he explained, the goal is to suspend the work and then hold a meeting with the President of the Republic so that the communities can present the problem “in its full scope.”
“I believe the President will understand the problem,” he said.
The community leader said that the community representatives are awaiting the scheduling of a meeting with the President of the Republic, noting that the meeting has already been arranged, but a specific date has not yet been set.
When asked whether he is optimistic about tomorrow’s decision, he replied: “I am very optimistic. Because we have justice on our side.”
He argued that, in his view, the relevant authorities did not take the necessary steps before the decision to relocate the plant was made.
The residents, he said, will be outside the Supreme Court tomorrow during the proceedings, which are expected to begin around 10:30 a.m.
“We will definitely be outside the courthouse,” he said, noting that the communities will continue their protests.
At the same time, he mentioned that an appeal to the European Court of Justice is being considered, noting, however, that proceedings before the Cypriot courts must first be completed.
Next Step: Meeting with the President
When asked about the next step following today’s mobilization, the Community Leader stated that the priority is a meeting with the President of the Republic.
“Certainly, the next step is a meeting with the President,” he said.
As he noted, the communities are waiting for the date of the meeting to be set, adding that it could take place this week or next.
“We are waiting,” he said, reiterating that for the communities, a key prerequisite for meaningful dialogue is the suspension of construction work.
Source: CNA
