The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment recognises the necessity for the creation of a new quarrying zone in the Paphos district, based on the significant shortage of quarrying materials in the district.
According to the Environmental Authority's Opinion on the Akamas Local Plan, studies should be carried out to investigate the possibility of creating a new quarry zone in Androlikou, while alternative locations for such a zone in Paphos Province should be explored. Taking into account the results of the above studies, as well as their evaluation in accordance with the procedure provided for in the legislation, the possibility of designating a new quarrying zone in the Paphos district will be examined. This approach is also agreed with by the National Technical Adviser of the State, ETEK.
Pending the completion of the above studies and final decisions, actions have been taken and an application has been submitted for the exploitation of a small deposit located within the existing Androlikos quarry zone.
It is estimated that this action will ensure the needs of the Paphos district until the above studies are completed and final decisions are taken for the final resolution of the problem.
The above data were presented at a recent meeting of the quarrymen with the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Mr. Kostas Kadis. The request of the quarrymen was to designate a quarry zone in Androlikou as of now and without conducting the additional studies that the Environmental Authority deems necessary, within the framework of the Akamas Local Plan. Such an action would violate the relevant European Directives and the National Legislation and it is considered certain that it would put our country in legal adventures.
The Ministry remains at the disposal of stakeholders and stresses that problems are not solved by causing inconvenience to the public, but through dialogue to find appropriate legal solutions.
(MB/EXP)
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