The Agriculture Ministry has rejected criticism from AKEL over the Pentakomo waste treatment facility, saying the Water Development Department inherited a plant affected by neglect, inadequate maintenance and serious operational shortcomings.
Responding to statements made after a visit to the facility by AKEL’s secretary-general, the ministry said those criticising its handling of the plant should first acknowledge the condition in which it was received.
Ministry details condition of facility
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, the facility had serious deficiencies, poorly maintained equipment and problems affecting public health when it was taken over by the Water Development Department.
The ministry said most of the mobile equipment was almost entirely out of operation, the fire protection system was not functioning and parts of the facility had been abandoned.
“We inherited a facility in a state of neglect and are already implementing the solution,” the ministry said.
It added that the waste treatment facility was designed when the responsible minister was an AKEL official, while noting that a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the facility is ongoing.
More than 180 repair and maintenance contracts
The ministry said that, from the first day of operation, the Water Development Department proceeded with more than 180 contracts covering repairs, maintenance work, upgrades and the creation of a comprehensive safety system from scratch.
According to the statement, these measures allowed the facility to remain operational and helped Limassol district avoid a potential public health crisis.
“We inherited an abandoned piece of infrastructure and, within a short period, managed to keep it operating,” the ministry said.
New contractor planned for 2027
The ministry said its actions were not limited to managing the condition in which the plant was received. Studies are also under way with the aim of appointing a new contractor during 2027 and establishing a modern, safe and sustainable facility.
The roadmap forms part of a broader waste management strategy that includes infrastructure upgrades, the expansion of separate waste collection, stronger recycling systems, the promotion of the circular economy and full compliance with the European acquis.
“Having seen the mistakes of the past, we are proceeding with the next steps on solid foundations and in continuous cooperation with all the stakeholders involved,” the ministry said.
It added that the solutions being pursued must be multidimensional, collective and capable of remaining effective over time.
Broader waste management objectives
The ministry described the transition to a modern and sustainable waste management system as a shared national objective.
It said it remained committed to implementing the measures already under way and cooperating with all relevant bodies so that Cyprus can meet its environmental targets and ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for the public.
Source: CNA
