Strong concern over the continuation of works in Akamas without a new assessment has been expressed by Koulla Michael, executive director of environmental foundation Terra Cypria, who also criticised the stance taken by state authorities and MPs during Thursday's session of the House Audit Committee.
Speaking on Politis Radio 107.6 & 97.6 during the programme Morning Briefing with Katerina Eliadi, Michael said that while the report of the Auditor General had been welcomed, no substantial answers were provided to key questions.
According to Michael, the findings of disciplinary and administrative investigations were not presented, while authorities indicated that no reassessment of the projects would take place.
"Decisions are being made behind closed doors"
Michael argued that the assessment of works in Akamas was not carried out properly, as it was conducted at the plan level rather than for specific projects, a point she said was highlighted in the Auditor General's report.
Despite the problems identified, she said the ministry intends to proceed with the works without carrying out a new assessment.
Referring to the agreement with the contractor, she said it appeared a settlement had been reached, although no details had been disclosed.
She argued that, based on decisions taken by the Council of Ministers, the plan should have been re-examined using specific information for each project in order to avoid repeating previous mistakes.
Michael expressed particular concern about future phases of the development, claiming that authorities had decided to remove certain junctions without carrying out the required reassessment.
She also accused the ministry of cutting off communication with stakeholders, not only environmental organisations.
"They are now deciding, planning, assessing and proceeding on their own," she said.
Objections over illegal platform
Referring to a platform used during an event at Agios Georgios Peyias, Michael claimed that no permit had been obtained and that no application had been submitted.
According to her, the Environment Department had ordered its removal, but the mayor of Akamas Municipality refused to implement the instruction.
She added that authorities had installed screening barriers to reduce lighting from the event, but the measure was ineffective.
Michael also criticised the Commissioner for the Environment, claiming he questioned the expertise of those who raised concerns about the issue.
She said she was personally present at Toxeftra Beach throughout the event and documented what took place.
Criticism of MPs
The Terra Cypria executive director described the attitude of certain MPs towards issues of legality as troubling, claiming they showed tolerance towards illegal structures.
She specifically named MPs Charalambos Pazaros and Zacharias Koulias, saying she heard comments from them during the committee session.
Michael also alleged that the Auditor General had not been provided with permits relating to renovation works at facilities in Agios Georgios Peyias, while some MPs focused primarily on what they described as the aesthetic upgrading of the area.
"We are not against development"
Responding to criticism that environmental groups are obstructing development, Michael stressed that their position is simply that legislation and Cyprus' European obligations should be observed.
"We are not against development. We are in favour of sustainable development."
She acknowledged that landowners in Akamas have legitimate grievances, arguing that politicians have failed for decades to provide solutions.
According to Michael, the issue returns during every election cycle but is never definitively resolved.
She also expressed concern over what she described as a change in position by the competent authorities, which had previously acknowledged problems with the projects but had now aligned themselves with the views of the Department of Forests.
Michael warned that under those conditions, even greater problems could emerge in Akamas in the future.
