Cyprus parliament demands explanations over sea pollution in Limassol
Cyprus’ parliamentary environment committee expressed dissatisfaction with the work of the environment department during a discussion of sea pollution in Limassol. Lawmakers demanded explanations after the department said its inspections had found no pollution, while Limassol Mayor Yannis Armeftis reported a contaminated sample taken in the area on August 11, Cyprus Mail reports.
Discrepancies over inspection results
DISY MP Michalis Kounnis said inspections are conducted at 29 locations twice a month and that, according to available information, the analyses had not indicated any problems. He questioned the discrepancy between these data and the report of a contaminated sample, and called on the authorities to move from describing the problem to solving it.
Committee chair, ELAM MP Linos Papayiannis, said the issue has remained unresolved for 10 months and concerns not only Limassol. According to him, the explanations provided by the services that legislation defines as competent did not convince committee members. He added that the committee would consider the matter again soon and should not delay in determining the necessary actions.
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Calls to publish sample results
AKEL MP Marina Nicolaou called for the results of all sample collections to be published and for recent incidents at the wastewater treatment plant in Moni and at the drainage pipeline ending in Dasoudi to be investigated. She also proposed increasing the number of inspectors and checking possible sources of pollution, including sewage facilities, pipelines, industrial activity and illegal discharges.
Alma MP Litsa Drusiotou stressed the need for better coordination among the services responsible for coastal monitoring. According to her, pollution in Limassol has continued for five to 10 years, but the authorities have not provided clear explanations of its causes. Drusiotou also voiced concern over plans to use drones to monitor the sea, as the committee was told there was a shortage of staff to operate them.
Epsilon Foundation representative Erma Stylianides called on the authorities to take immediate action, stating that wastewater is detected in the sea every day.
