Conditions have become unbearable for residents near the GSP stadium in Strovolos because of a surge in mosquito populations. Health Services identified the main cause as stagnant water that has built up in the riverbed, after soil was moved during construction work on a bridge under Dimitris Christofias Avenue. Spraying has already taken place in the area, and the relevant authorities are now being called on to remove the soil and restore the river’s natural flow without delay.
Philenews received complaints from residents in the area, who say the problem has worsened significantly in recent weeks, to the point of being unbearable, and that it is most intense in the green space and along the riverbed.
Health Services also received a wave of complaints. Herodotos Herodotou, who heads the Health Ministry’s Health Services, said the complaints have already been investigated, and the main issue the Service identified is the construction of a bridge under Dimitris Christofias Avenue.
Herodotou said the contractor had moved large volumes of soil, cutting off the river’s natural flow and creating the stagnant water that has become a mosquito breeding ground, a claim borne out by photos published on our website.
Herodotou told philenews that after hearing residents’ complaints, the Service responded immediately, sending a crew to the area. Health Services sprayed the river using motorised and backpack sprayers on September 8 and 9, and the spraying will be repeated roughly seven to ten days later, for as long as the breeding season continues.
He said the Service had also informed the other relevant authorities about the problem. Health Services has prepared a letter addressed to the Nicosia District Local Government Organisation (DLGO), Strovolos Municipality, the Department of Public Works, the Water Department and the Department of Environment. The letter calls on them, within their respective responsibilities, to take all necessary measures to open up the river, remove the soil, restore the flow and prevent stagnant water from forming again.
Strovolos Municipality also acts
Strovolos Municipality is also aware of the issue in the GSP area and has already taken steps to address it. The municipality’s Public Health and Sanitation Department inspected the river along its entire length, working with State Health Services, and sprayed appropriate products at points where stagnant water and a risk of mosquito breeding were found.
The municipality will also intervene to move the piles of soil blocking the river’s natural flow, to prevent stagnant water from building up further.
Spraying continues countrywide
Herodotou said spraying against mosquitoes will continue year-round nationwide. “With the temperatures we’ve had, the rain we’ve seen recently, and the stagnant water that’s formed, we will keep spraying, and we’re also trying to step up door-to-door awareness with the help of municipalities,” he said.
He explained that Health Services crews visit homes depending on where breeding sites are identified, informing the public and carrying out checks.
