Hundreds of people in Mazotos closed off the main road leading to their community for half an hour early this morning (October 24th), opposing plans to build a desalination plant in their area.
Residents used a tractor and a trailer truck to block access on the Mazotos-Kition road, raising banners and shouting slogans demanding the cancellation of the Agriculture Ministry plans, while also appealing for the intervention of President Christodoulides.
Banners read ‘Save the Mazotos sea’, ‘Hands off’, ‘Our coast is in danger’ and ‘No to desalination’.
Attending the protest were MPs, political party representatives and members of relevant bodies and organisations.
Member of the Mazotos Municipal Council Lambriani Alexandrou said Mazotos was not for sale, adding that residents will continue their fight, ‘defending their land to the very end’, while also rejecting any incentives given.
Alexandrou demanded an investigation, noting that a lower cost proposal by the Electricity Authority, also providing a larger capacity of water production, was rejected.
She requested a meeting with the President of the Republic and a comprehensive environmental study.
The protest seems to have caused internal community issues, with the Mazotos Council officially announcing that it did not take part, as it had not been briefed on planning or asked to contribute and participate.
Commenting on the reactions, the Agricultural Ministry said that the goal was to engage in a serious and productive dialogue in order to implement measures for the benefit of the community, noting that the work is being realised in line with all lawful state commitments and with respect to the local environment.
‘We respect the right to protest and we hear the community, but we have articulated our response clearly and responsibly’, the ministry added.
