Akamas works condemned by environmental groups

The environmental movement of Cyprus has condemned works in the Akamas Peninsula on Thursday, saying that the area has been subjected to the “grip of capitalism”.

The latest development on Akamas reveals Agriculture Minister Petros Xenophontos’s affirmation that roadworks in Akamas will proceed without suspension under any circumstances.

Following a meeting with all those involved in the roadwork in the area, Xenophontos emphasised that the works would follow correct procedure.

In recent weeks, roadworks have been heavily criticised for significantly deviating from a conducted study, with roads being much wider than initially foreseen.

Weighing in on the debate, the environmental movement said: “For decades the Akamas peninsula has been in the crosshairs of greedy big capital and all sorts of big business land developers. It is now clear, and the latest developments confirm this, that those eager for the supposedly sustainable development of Akamas have not only access to the structures of the executive [branch], but also conscientious servants, who, certainly with no compensation, methodically promote their speculative plans.”

The movement added that the cabinet is making communicative efforts to put the scandal to rest and called for “full transparency in matters concerning projects in Akamas, on the publication of the administrative investigation, on the attribution of responsibility and punishment of those responsible, and on the continuous briefing of the house environment committee on the works”.

After a mid-December meeting, a visit was made to the Akamas area. Xenophontos said that both upcoming and ongoing projects would undergo multiple evaluations by a group of experts.

After the visit, the experts mentioned that they would return in ten days to provide a complete picture and discuss the next steps for proceeding.

Xenophontos also sent the message that they are proceeding with respect to Akamas, noting that it is the jewel of the region and they will preserve it.