Government to examine moving Lympia waste disposal plant

The government is willing to examine the possibility to move parts of a waste disposal plant, responding to proposals by the representatives of the village of Lympia and the Union of Communities.

On Tuesday, Lympia residents blocked the Nicosia-Larnaca motorway in both directions, threw rocks onto the motorway and set fire to tyres and cars, which they dropped onto the motorway from a bridge, protesting against the government’s decision to construct a waste disposal plant in their area.

The Council of Ministers discussed the issue on Wednesday, after a meeting held between the Minister of the Interior Neoklis Sylikiotis and the representatives of the residents of the community early in the morning. On Tuesday evening, the residents were asked by their representatives to lift the blockades and measures in order to contribute to a positive climate for negotiations with the government.

Government Spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardis, speaking after the Council’s meeting, said that the government is willing to examine the possibility to move some parts of the plant, as long as there is no danger to the environment and public health and as long as this move satisfies the community of Lympia.

Responding to questions, the Spokesman said that the move can take place within 1 km of the original site and that the government is now waiting for the answer of the community of Lympia.

“The government’s position towards the proposal of the President and the representatives of the community is clear and reasonable. We will now wait for the response of the community of Lympia,” he said, concluding that what counts is for all sides to show prudence and responsibility.