Greek and Turkish Cypriots discuss possible EU funding for sewage treatment plant

Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots representatives explored today with an EU official the possibility of EU funding for a sewage treatment plant in Nicosia, that would ease the problems faced by people across the divided capital of Cyprus.

Mayor of Nicosia Eleni Mavrou and Turkish Cypriot representatives met today with Jan Truszczynski, Deputy Director General of DG Enlargement, with whom they discussed the problem arising from the fact that the Turkish Cypriot community has yet to attain the necessary funds for the sewage plant.

The plant, estimated to cost 24 million euros, will be funded by 60% from the Greek Cypriot side and by 40% from the Turkish Cypriot side.

''The first reaction was not encouraging because several projects in Cyprus are already funded by structural funds and by the EU financial aid package for the Turkish Cypriot community,'' Mavrou told CNA, adding that the issue will be discussed in more detail in following meetings.

However, she pointed out that the need for building a new plant in the area is urgent because the current factory is obsolete and cannot meet the increasing needs of the people in both sides of the divided city.

Mavrou added that the EU Commission has selected experts who designed the new plant, adding ''we are ready to proceed with tenders for the construction of the new plant, provided that the funding problem will be solved.

Mavrou said that she also explored the possibility for EU funding for a study of the buffer zone, dividing Nicosia, in case of a settlement of the Cyprus problem and more specifically issues regarding administration, development and restoration.

''Particular interest was shown on this issue. Truszczynski reserved to respond on this after consultations with the G/c and T/c sides and after consulting EU technocrats, Mavrou said.