An initiative to accelerate the upgrade processes of the Integrated Waste Management System (OEDA) in Pentakomo has been undertaken by the Limassol Waste Management and Disposal Board (SEDAL), according to a statement made to “Entrepreneurial Limassol” by its president, Mayor of Kourion, Mr. Pantelis Georgiou. A plan for the OEDA in Pentakomo has already been prepared by the Water Development Department (WDD), which foresees the unit’s upgrade within the next three years.
According to the Mayor of Kourion, SEDAL’s board conducted on-site meetings with staff members of the facility, who are thoroughly familiar with the condition of the equipment. Discussions were held on how the unit’s operation could be improved, and employees were asked to propose medium-term solutions so that the process could be expedited and avoid waiting three or more years for state procedures to be completed.
Mr. Georgiou explained that some machinery can be replaced immediately through faster procedures managed by the Limassol District Development Company, which currently operates the unit, as opposed to time-consuming governmental processes. This way, problems can be mitigated more promptly. The SEDAL president noted that the current state of the OEDA is clearly improved compared to the very poor condition a year ago. "We are seeing that the dumping areas are being cleared. Nevertheless, the unit still requires serious repairs, as it had been neglected and suffered damage, both in the sorting lines and the overall operational system," he stated.
Mr. Georgiou emphasized that one of the major issues concerns the biological treatment plant and the anaerobic system, for which efforts are being made to bring them into operation sooner than the timeline laid out in the state plan. He added that if an agreement is reached with the WDD to cover the costs of replacing components and the overall upgrade process, he will propose that SEDAL temporarily take full control of the facility’s management so that works can proceed quickly and the situation can improve. However, he clarified that without financial support from the state, SEDAL cannot bear the related expenses.
He also estimated that if the OEDA falls under the management of the District Local Government Organization, as foreseen by the new framework, it would pose a significant challenge for the organization, with the cost likely being passed on to citizens and reaching tens of millions of euros. Regarding the green point SEDAL seeks to establish in Vati, the Board’s president stated that a new letter has been sent to the District Local Government Organization (EOA), which is now responsible for issuing permits. The goal is to proceed with securing the plot where the unit will be built. Awaiting a response from the EOA, SEDAL is ready to initiate the process in cooperation with either the WDD or through the "Thalia" program funds to finance the unit.
Mr. Georgiou stressed that the green point in Vati will serve both peri-urban and semi-mountainous areas of Limassol, as it will be more easily accessible. At the same time, the creation of a composting unit for green waste and a temporary mechanical composting unit for organic waste is being considered, provided that major producers are also served. As for the other green points requested by the Limassol District, Mr. Georgiou stated that they fall under the WDD’s responsibility, which appears ready to move forward, given its commitments to the EU and Cohesion Funds.
A setback has been recorded in the procedures for the restoration of the former landfill in Vati. Despite a preliminary agreement for SEDAL to undertake the project, the Directorate General Growth drew a "red line," citing an inability to immediately fund SEDAL. A few weeks ago, when SEDAL was informed of this development, the possibility was proposed for one of the municipalities to take over the project. This proposal will be discussed in the Council’s next session. Mr. Georgiou clarified that the restoration of the smaller illegal dumpsites may be carried out by the WDD, while the restoration of the Vati landfill would remain pending.
He expressed his disappointment at the stance of the Central Growth Directorate, as SEDAL believes it could have effectively advanced the project and meaningfully contributed to the state’s efforts. Finally, regarding the other landfill in Ypsonas, from which fumes are emanating, although funding of €1.2 million had been planned by the Department of Environment, due to the developments in Vati, it was decided that the Municipality of Kourion will directly submit a funding request to the Directorate, aiming to carry out the restoration independently.
