A section of the Limassol to Nicosia motorway near Kalavasos has been closed early Saturday due to a protest by the nine communities of the Vasilikos area against the transfer of three asphalt plants in the area.
Drivers travelling from Limassol to Nicosia were advised to use the Governor’s beach exit through the old Limassol Nicosia road, while those travelling from Nicosia to Limassol should take the Chirokitia exit and continue at the old Nicosia to Limassol road, police said around 10am.
Officers are in the area to provide assistance and regulate traffic.
Drivers were also advised to be particularly careful, drive their vehicles at a safe, low speed, maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead and follow the instructions of the police.
The protest was organised by the coordinating committee of the nine communities of the Vasilikos area following a cabinet decision in July 2020, providing for the relocation of asphalt plants from Geri and Tseri in the Kalavasos area.
Although officials had said the move will take place in six months, a presidency statement issued end of January said the relocation to Vasiliko area will be completed in the next three months.
The agriculture ministry had defended the two-year delay saying this was due to the pending completion of the necessary studies to ensure the health of nearby residents in the new location.
But the nine communities around Vasiliko area have repeatedly warned they would take dynamic measures if the decision to relocate the two asphalt plants to their area is implemented.
The area is already hosting fuel terminals, the island’s largest power station, a cement factory, and will also have the energy hub. A waste management plant is also located in the wider area.
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