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Environment Commissioner Charalambos Theopemptou has issued an eight-point working plan for the new mayors and town councillors who were sworn in on Monday. We endorse his suggestions and propose that the newly elected and those who retained their seats work hard and in concert to make this a better place, now and for future generations.
THE RUBBISH:
Local authorities need to do more to reduce the garbage that ends up in dumps as these must close down by next year when the specially-designated collection centres (XYTY) come into full force. Otherwise, we, as consumers, will pay higher collection fees and fines.
THE AIR:
Both these issues are interlinked and concern us all. Cyprus has a serious air quality problem, according to Theopemptou, adding that the European Commission has imposed sanctions on Cyprus for not doing enough to improve the situation.
On the other hand, rural patches of green are becoming extinct and trees are being felled to make way for more pavements.
THE 'HOOD:
As everything in Cyprus is designed around the car, the primary mode of transport (and social status), the feel of neighbourhoods has given way to rapid development needs, while there are prime examples in Europe where local streets are better shared between motorists and the community.
THE JAM:
Cyprus needs to implement measures that will reduce the speed of cars in neighbourhoods or near schools, which together with cycle paths, better crossings and efficient lighting will encourage pedestrians to walk or cycle more frequently, leading to a better quality of life.
THE NOISE:
This is a problem that often gets out of hand, especially in small communities or villages, as the law about clubs or night spots is outdated from 1974 and does not determine sound levels.
THE LIGHTING:
Beyond the current need to reduce energy consumptions, local authorities should work to make public and street lighting more efficient, both in cost and in emission levels.
THE TRASH:
There are many areas where unwanted objects are simply thrown out – trash, fridges, cars – while the number of containers installed by do-gooders are already overflowing, while some entrepreneurs also have the habit of placing their display cars on pavements.
THE WORKSHOPS:
Many people also have a problem with noisy workshops within residential areas, ome of which work until late, where some sort of priority must be introduced in order to help these craftsmen or workshops to move to designated areas concentrated within all municipal boundaries.
Let’s hope that some of the new mayors and councillors will implement even parts of their pre-election declarations which will ultimately help improve the quality of life of all communities.
