Larnaca residents have raised concerns over the removal of mature trees from the site of the former Larnaca General Hospital, where the new Municipal building will be erected. A complaint that reached philenews accused the municipality of failing to protect established greenery and adequately inform the public about its plans.
Larnaca Municipality confirmed that eight trees are scheduled for removal as part of the project, saying the necessary permits from the Department of Forests have been obtained. It also said the construction contract provides for the planting of 48 new trees and 165 aromatic shrubs.
According to the municipality, five dead cypress trees and one rotten mulberry tree have already been removed with permission from the Department of Forests. Permits have also been issued for the removal of two additional trees, as provided for in the project’s study.
However, a Larnaca resident contacted by philenews disputes the extent and justification of the tree removals, claiming that a substantial part of the site’s established greenery has been lost.
The resident said the area previously contained numerous mature trees that provided shade and contributed to the local environment.
“At least half the trees on this plot were cut,” she said, adding that the municipality had failed to communicate its plans adequately to residents.
She also claimed that she and other residents had previously expressed their opposition to the removal of trees and had been assured by the municipality that no trees would be cut down.
Despite those assurances, she said, several trees were subsequently removed.
The resident questioned the justification given for some of the removals, alleging that the Municipality only cuts trees under the guise of them being dead.
The municipality, however, maintains that the six trees already removed were dead or rotten and that their removal was authorised by the Department of Forests.
The complainant expressed concern about the long-term environmental consequences of removing mature trees.
