The village of Klavdia in the Larnaca district faces a crisis of illegal dumping, local officials warn.
Two large illegal dumpsites have appeared in the Tremithos riverbed, raising concerns about environmental damage and public safety.
“This problem needs to be addressed immediately. The scale of these dumpsites is enormous, and there is a risk of contaminating the underground water reservoir of the river, which flows into the Kiti dam,” newly elected community leader Christos Panayiotou told the Phileleftheros newspaper.
The dumpsites contain a variety of waste, including household rubbish, garden clippings, and discarded appliances. Officials believe the rubbish is being dumped at night by people from outside the area.
Shrinking population
Klavdia, home to 480 residents, is also grappling with a shrinking population. Panayiotou called for the allocation of residential plots to young couples on government-owned land to address this issue.
“The community is shrinking day by day,” Panayiotou said, highlighting the lack of housing as a major factor driving young people away from the village.
Local authorities have contacted various government bodies for assistance in cleaning up the dumpsites and implementing measures to prevent future illegal dumping. The Green Party has also visited the site and expressed support for the clean-up efforts.
The village’s new leadership, mostly under 40, aims to drive development and attract people back to the community. However, they face challenges including a lack of community workers and limited recreational facilities for young people.
Despite these obstacles, Panayiotou remains determined to improve life in Klavdia. “My goal is to do what’s best for the residents of our community, regardless of their age group,” he stated.
Leonidas Pieri, the 28-year-old vice-president of the community, shares similar aspirations. “I am married with two children, and I grew up in this village, playing in its fields and parks, and later spending time at the Youth Centre, which closed a few years ago. I want my children to be able to grow up here, just as I did, in a community that is fading with each passing year,” he concluded.
