Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou was on Wednesday nearing the end of her review of a disciplinary investigation into the first-phase roadworks at Akamas national forest park.

The report, submitted in the last 24 hours, examines possible breaches of environmental rules and administrative responsibilities.

At the same time, the environment department is assessing documentation from the forestry and water development departments to determine whether the works align with the legally binding conditions set out in the special ecological assessment (SEA).

Once this review is complete, an ad hoc committee will be convened to discuss the findings. Panayiotou confirmed that the report would be made public once she has completed her review.

This latest inquiry, the third in a series, aims to establish whether any disciplinary, administrative, or legal responsibilities must be assigned to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Three previous administrative investigations had already suggested possible disciplinary breaches by two former officials: the ex-director of the environment department and the ex-director of the forestry department, the latter having retired in January 2025.

In response, a formal disciplinary inquiry was launched in June 2024. After three deadline extensions, the probe concluded in late February 2025.

The investigation was led by a senior member of the law office, as required by law, ensuring the official conducting the inquiry held a higher rank than the individuals under investigation.

The first-phase roadworks began in September 2023 after the Forestry Department granted approval to a contractor. The project aimed to upgrade 13.4 kilometres of existing roads within the Akamas National Forest Park.

However, environmental groups raised concerns that the works deviated from the legally binding conditions set by the environment department and the SEA.

As a result, in December 2023, the council of ministers halted the project, ordered an investigation and commissioned a new study to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Meanwhile, the forestry department’s study and related documents from the water development department are under scrutiny by the environment department. If found to comply with the SEA conditions, a date will be set for the ad hoc committee’s meeting.

Environment department director Lakis Mesimeris will review the documents before forwarding them to the committee members. These papers include proposals for modifications to the construction plans for the main road network in Akamas. Specifically, they concern three key roads – Aspros-Lara, Toxeftra-Avakas, and the Lara Circular Route – which must align with the supplementary SEA report of March 2024.
The supplementary report introduced strict conditions to adjust the roadworks, reduce environmental impact and restore any damage to the Natura 2000 protected area.

A final decision on how the project will proceed is expected in the coming weeks.