The environmental organisation “Friends of Akamas” Wednesday expressed concern about plans to potentially establish a new quarry zone near protected areas in Androlikou, Paphos.
The planned move has sparked controversy due to its proximity to ecologically sensitive regions and apparent disregard for previous environmental assessments.
In an announcement, Friends of Akamas stated, “It is with great concern that we observe the promotion of a special ecological assessment study for a possible creation of a new quarry zone in Androlikou, near protected areas, without even examining alternative locations”.
The group argues that this development violates the terms set out in the ecological assessment report by the Department of Environment in August 2022. That report did not approve the creation of a new quarry zone in Androlikou and suggested exploring alternative locations for such zones in other suitable areas.
Members of the Federation of Environmental Organisations of Cyprus, have collectively addressed relevant government departments, highlighting the state’s perceived inconsistency and the potential environmental impacts of the proposed quarry zone. They emphasised the need to consider alternative locations and materials before proceeding with any plans in Androlikou.
The Friends of Akamas added, “It appears that the opinion of Androlikou residents, expressed in their letter dated September 20, 2024, to all relevant state departments, is not being taken into account at all”. In this letter, residents protested that existing and proposed quarrying activities would continue to turn their “beautiful village into a place of desolation”.
The group calls on authorities to halt any moves towards creating a new quarry zone in Androlikou. They urge decision-makers to thoroughly examine all alternative locations and consider the use of suitable alternative materials before proceeding with any plans that could potentially harm the local environment and community.
Read more:
