Dervis Charalambous, deputy mayor of Kritou Terra, a district within Polis Chrysochous municipality, has accused the municipal council, and its mayor in particular, of indifference and negligence that could have disastrous consequences.
Charalambous made the accusation citing repeated fire incidents in the district in recent days, saying the municipal authority showed a complete lack of concern about acting in time, before the fires could take on tragic proportions.
A series of fires was deliberately set last Saturday across an area stretching from Prodromi to Drousia, Kritou Terra and Arodes, and investigations later confirmed the fires were started maliciously. Charalambous said he had repeatedly notified Polis municipality by letter about the risks involved, without the municipal authority taking any action.
He said his efforts to secure urgent firebreaks, as well as the clearing of open spaces containing flammable materials and vegetation, were met with complete indifference. Neither the mayor nor other members of the municipal council showed the slightest interest, he said, despite relevant inspections and recommendations from state departments on fire-prevention measures.
Charalambous said Saturday’s incident stood as both proof and a serious warning of the disaster that lies ahead if this inaction continues.
The issue has taken on serious dimensions in the Chrysochous district following the unprecedented outbreak of five fires within minutes of each other, all along the same stretch of road leading from Polis municipality’s Prodromi area to neighbouring communities. Subsequent investigations confirmed the fires were started maliciously, a finding that has heightened concerns about the conduct of some people during this critical period amid the heatwave.
