Residents of Mazotos blocked the road to Kiti for about half an hour on Sunday to protest the siting of a desalination plant within their community’s boundaries, demanding that an alternative location be considered.
The protesters, carrying banners and chanting slogans, said they fear for the local environment and their properties. They argued the plant should instead be built in an area already burdened by industry, pointing among other things to a proposal by the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) for the Vasilikos area.
The protesters say they have collected 500 signatures and filed two legal appeals. They are also seeking a meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides and have rejected the compensatory measures on offer.
The Agriculture Ministry said the project is needed to strengthen water supply during a prolonged drought and is proceeding under the required procedures. It said it wants dialogue aimed at delivering measures to benefit the community.