Larnaca’s various municipalities and communities said on Wednesday they were ready to take action against the government’s decision to move two Dali asphalt plants to their district.

In a letter addressed to the president and the members of the House environment committee, mayors and community leaders in Larnaca said “the possible relocation of asphalt plants to the Koshi area, due to the harmful gases, will lead to a serious pollution of the atmosphere and the rich aquifers, as well as the deterioration of the beautiful natural wealth of the area”.

Koshi is already burdened with other heavy industries, while it is also close to a residential area where a school and dams are under construction, they added.

The decision to relocate the two Dali plants was taken after multiple complaints and protests from the residents of the area concerning air pollution. The deadline for their relocation was set for February, pending the completion of the environmental study assessment.

But the new location is set within the same distance from a residential area and will negatively affect all the complainants “due to the dust, the smells and the way of operation of the units”, and will impact the development of the area.

“We are ready to take immediate action if the government continues to adhere to its decision to relocate asphalt plants in the Koshi area,” the letter said.

Koshi waste management plant “is already burdened by the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of waste from the Nicosia province, despite the initial promise of the government not to receive waste from other areas”.

A warehouse belonging to the Electricity Authority (EAC) is also in the area where the stock of wooden poles containing the chemical creosote are located, while there is also a solid waste treatment plant, Larnaca’s officials said.

According to the signees, the area is also close to a Natura 2000 protected zone.

In two years, Ayiou Lazarou technical school is expected to be constructed in the area, while works are underway for a camping area by the Church.

Moreover, Koshis barracks and Kalo Chorio shooting range as well as the dams that are under construction in the area will be in risk of pollution, the communities say.

The letter was signed by the mayors of Larnaca, Aradippou, Athienou, Livadia and Dromoloxia-Meneou as well as the community leaders of Lymbia, Kalo Chorio, Voroklini, Troulli, Kellia, Ayia Annas and Psevda.

It was shared with the ministers of health, defence and agriculture.