Work has started to remove dangerous chemical waste from the AstraSol factory in Latsia, the environment department confirmed on Monday.

The department’s director, Theodoulos Mesimeris, said this was a long-overdue step and a long-standing demand of the local community. He described it as a major issue finally coming to an end.

For years, residents have fought legal battles over concerns that emissions from the factory’s smokestacks contained dichloromethane, a chemical compound feared to be linked to cancer.

Mesimeris explained that the factory had operated for more than 15 years, manufacturing shoe soles. He acknowledged that its activities had caused serious environmental problems, particularly regarding dangerous chemical waste and pollution.

“In a very short time, the environment department has managed to resolve all the obstacles that delayed the removal of solvents,” he said.

“We have now taken the necessary steps to ensure their safe disposal by a licensed company.”

He stressed that handling such waste requires a high level of expertise and strict management protocols.

The removal operation is now fully underway, with officials already recording and transporting solvents. The entire process is expected to be completed within the week.

“All necessary security measures have been put in place,” Mesimeris assured.

“This is being done in coordination with all relevant authorities to ensure safe collection, transportation, and final disposal.”

Environment department officers will remain on-site throughout the process to supervise operations. The area is also being guarded around the clock to guarantee the safe transport of waste.

Mesimeris reiterated the department’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and secure removal process, bringing a long-standing environmental concern to a close.