Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Minister Christos Senekis has identified the upgrading of Cyprus's Integrated Waste Management Facilities (IWMFs) and the development of a comprehensive national waste strategy as key priorities, in his first interview since taking office.
Speaking on Politis Radio's Morning Briefing with Katerina Eliadi, Senekis also addressed illegal dumping sites, recycling, Akamas, water security, forest fires and environmental protection.
First visits to Koshi and Pentakomo
Senekis revealed that his first site visits after assuming office were to the Koshi and Pentakomo integrated waste-management facilities, underscoring the importance the ministry places on waste management.
He said discussions focused on the challenges facing the two facilities and long-standing issues that have accumulated over the years.
According to the minister, a broader national planning process is under way to determine the infrastructure required for integrated waste management across Cyprus. Until that plan is completed, existing facilities will continue to be upgraded to increase their capacity.
Pentakomo challenges
Referring to the Pentakomo facility, Senekis noted that it came under state management in December 2023 after the contractor failed to fulfil its obligations.
The Water Development Department assumed management and has since been working to upgrade the facility and reduce its environmental footprint.
At the same time, efforts are continuing to strengthen landfill operations while gradually reducing the volume of waste sent for disposal.
New management contract planned
The minister made clear that Pentakomo is not expected to remain under the management of the Water Development Department permanently.
Instead, the government intends to award a contract to a company capable of meeting the facility's operational requirements while avoiding problems experienced in the past.
Senekis said the tender process is expected to be completed during the second half of 2027, while the broader national waste-management strategy should be finalised during the first half of next year.
2035 target and EU obligations
The minister acknowledged that Cyprus remains some distance from European waste-management targets.
The stated goal is to reduce landfill disposal to 10% of total waste by 2035.
He also noted that two adverse rulings against Cyprus relating to waste management remain outstanding and could lead to financial penalties.
"We hope that through the upgrading and compliance process, the progress being made will be recognised and any penalties will be kept to the minimum possible level," he said.
Illegal dumping sites
Addressing illegal dumping, Senekis said the issue is being examined by the relevant inter-ministerial committee.
Measures under consideration include:
- Greater use of technology.
- Tougher penalties.
- More effective monitoring of problem areas.
Water security and wildfires
Among the ministry's wider priorities, Senekis described the management of forest fires as a top concern, particularly during the summer months.
He also highlighted water security, saying efforts are under way to strengthen infrastructure and ensure adequate water supplies in the coming years.
The minister further referred to the aftermath of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, which remains an issue for the ministry.
Limassol sea pollution complaints
Regarding complaints about pollution along the Limassol coastline, Senekis said he is still being fully briefed on the issue.
He confirmed that complaints have been submitted by local authorities and members of the public and said all evidence would be examined.
However, he noted that in 2025 all 123 bathing areas in Cyprus were classified as having excellent water quality, a performance he said placed Cyprus at the top of the European Union in that category.
"If any violation is identified, the law will be applied without exceptions," he said.
"We still have a long way to go" on recycling
Responding to listeners' questions, Senekis acknowledged that Cyprus still faces significant challenges in recycling.
He said a visit to any integrated waste-management facility demonstrates the need for a stronger culture of waste separation at source.
"We still have a long way to go, both as a state and as a society, if we are to achieve European targets," he said.
Akamas
On Akamas, Senekis said work is under way to update the study relating to the first phase of the project so that the views of all stakeholders can be taken into account.
He said a central mechanism will oversee both environmental protection and sustainable development in the area.
Under current plans, work on the first phase, involving the road network, is expected to begin in the final quarter of 2026 under a new contractor.
Responding to concerns raised by environmental organisations, Senekis said decisions would be reached through consultation with local authorities and environmental groups.
"My office is open to everyone," he said, adding that the ministry is ready to discuss any concerns that may arise.
