The mayors of South Nicosia-Idalion and Latsia-Geri are demanding that the government reverse its decision to build the new Central Prisons at Agios Sozomenos, saying they learned about the change of location through online news reports without any prior consultation.
Speaking on Morning Briefing with Katerina Eliadi, South Nicosia-Idalion Mayor Stavros Hadjiyiannis strongly criticised the government's decision to move the planned prison complex from Mathiatis, the original choice, to Agios Sozomenos.
Asked whether there had been any prior briefing, discussion or consultation with the local authorities, Hadjiyiannis replied: “Zero.”
He said both he and the Mayor of Latsia-Geri learned about the change through online media last week, arguing that the process disregarded the role of local government and the need to consult affected authorities.
“It is outrageous that in 2026 you read about a Justice Ministry decision without us having sat around a table to examine five parameters,” he said.
Letter to President seeks reversal
Hadjiyiannis said the two mayors have already sent a joint letter to President Nikos Christodoulides, requesting an immediate meeting and the reversal of the decision.
He stressed that their demand is not limited to securing compensatory measures for the affected communities.
Instead, they are calling for the immediate withdrawal of any announcement concerning the site and the suspension of all administrative, technical or other actions connected with the project.
Hadjiyiannis said he had also contacted the Justice Minister and that they had agreed to meet, although no date has yet been arranged.
According to the mayor, the Mayor of Latsia-Geri had written to the Justice Ministry about the same issue in early August but had received no response.
Area earmarked for livestock development
Explaining his objections, Hadjiyiannis said the Agios Sozomenos area has for years formed part of plans for the creation of a livestock zone.
The municipality's plans envisage modern, technologically upgraded livestock units and planning incentives as part of discussions surrounding the local development plan.
Hadjiyiannis said the wider area already contains biological treatment facilities, sewage tanks and pig farms, while the specific plot selected for the prison is currently used for the disposal of manure.
He also raised concerns about air quality for future prisoners, questioning whether relocating inmates from the existing Central Prisons to a site near sewage tanks and pig farms would be appropriate.
The mayor argued that the choice of Agios Sozomenos appeared to have been made without adequate on-site consideration of conditions in the area.
Traffic concerns raised
Hadjiyiannis also expressed concern about the effect the new prison could have on the road network.
He said hundreds of employees travelling to and from the proposed facility would use roads that already experience traffic congestion, particularly because projects designed to ease pressure around the industrial zone have not been completed.
He added that neighbouring areas in Geri and the Agioi Constantinou and Elenis parish are already burdened by disruptive activities and air-quality problems.
Responding to the argument that building the prison could generate jobs and wider economic activity, Hadjiyiannis said the municipality instead wants to develop the area through livestock farming and the primary sector.
‘People are deeply concerned’
Asked what steps the municipalities could take if the government proceeds with its plans, Hadjiyiannis said local residents are deeply concerned, although he stressed that the authorities do not seek to create unrest.
He reiterated that their primary demand is for meaningful consultation before any decision proceeds.
Hadjiyiannis noted that municipalities themselves are required to consult residents even on projects costing considerably less than the proposed new prison complex.
He therefore called on central government to demonstrate the same respect towards local authorities.
The mayor added that municipalities regularly commit resources and undertake projects beyond their formal responsibilities in order to meet residents' needs, arguing that this relationship should be reflected in the way central government engages with local government over major developments.
