The Initiative Group to Save the Mazotos Coast held a protest on Saturday morning.
Holding signs and chanting slogans, the protesters gathered on Mazotos-Kitiou, expressing their opposition to the government’s plans to build a desalination plant in the area.
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For its part, the Ministry of Agriculture stated in a press release that it respects the right of Mazotos residents to express their views and concerns, and that the government has listened to the local community and has taken a clear and responsible stance on the issues being raised today.
At the same time, the Ministry notes, “the State must take the necessary decisions to ensure the country’s water security. The prolonged drought, pressure on water resources, and climate change make it necessary to strengthen desalination infrastructure to ensure Cyprus’s water security, to meet the country’s water supply needs while also ensuring ever-increasing quantities for irrigation.”
In this context, he notes, “the installation of the desalination plant in Mazotos is also part of this effort, which is being pursued in accordance with the prescribed procedures and conditions set by the relevant departments. As the planning progressed, productive meetings were held—at both the technical and political levels—with the Community as well as with residents and stakeholders, to provide information and exchange views.”
“Specific requests for compensatory measures have also been submitted in writing to the Community Authority, so that the project will yield substantial and tangible benefits for the Mazotos community. To this end, substantive discussions with the community will continue regarding the specification, prioritize, and effectively implement any measures, focusing on projects and benefits that address actual local needs,” the Ministry states, adding:
“Given that legal proceedings are ongoing, the Ministry refrains from making public statements that could be construed as interfering with the Court’s judgment. The Republic of Cyprus fully respects the judiciary and will present its positions before the competent judicial bodies.”
“The government’s position is clear: water security is a matter of the highest public interest and requires timely decisions. At the same time, the local community must derive concrete benefits. The goal is not confrontation, but a serious and productive dialogue on the implementation of measures for the benefit of Mazotos. “The project is being implemented in accordance with the State’s legal obligations and with respect for the region,” the statement concludes.
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