The restoration of the former landfill in Vati and the modernization of wastewater infrastructure represent important steps toward a cleaner and more sustainable Limassol.
A two-week extension has been granted by the Water Development Department for the submission deadline of bids or participation applications in the tender for the execution of construction works aimed at the restoration and subsequent maintenance of the uncontrolled waste disposal landfill (HADA) in Vati, as well as eight additional landfills in the Limassol district.
The tender was announced by the Water Development Department on 30 September 2025, and the original deadline had been set for 31 October 2025. Following the extension, bids are expected to be opened and evaluated on 14 November. The tender concerns construction works, removal of contaminated surface soil, restoration of waste disposal areas, construction of new disposal sites, as well as the creation of a drainage network.
The estimated value of the project amounts to €27,150,000. The project will be funded by the European Union through the Cohesion Fund. The restoration plans for the former landfill have been prepared by specialized consultants, who also prepared the restoration plans for the Kotsiatis landfill.
The initial timeline for the tender had been set for the first quarter of 2022. Waste from 27 community landfills in Limassol, which officially closed in 2019, will be transferred to Vati. The project will follow the example of the Kotsiatis restoration, which began on 22 August 2022. It should be noted that, as of 28 February 2019, the Vati and Kotsiatis landfills officially closed for all waste streams, following the recommendations of the European Union.
The Vati landfill restoration tender is an action demonstrating that the Republic of Cyprus is making every effort to comply with the relevant European infringement, according to the Department of Environment, aiming for citizens to enjoy a higher-quality and cleaner environment.
Mr. Pantelis Georgiou, President of Limassol Waste Management Council (SEDAL), stated that the Vati restoration tender is perhaps the most significant development in recent years for the complete restoration of Limassol district landfills. Upon completion of the works, he noted, relief will be provided to the multiple problems observed over recent years, whether caused by fires resulting from spontaneous combustion or illegal waste dumping at these sites by opportunists.
The Mayor of Kourion added that, particularly for western Limassol areas such as Ypsonas and Polemidia, the restoration will solve ongoing problems caused by frequent fumes that have affected residents for years. “I firmly believe that with the restoration of these areas, the state must support local authorities in creating a protection network against opportunists, through the installation of security cameras, the hiring of public health inspectors, and the imposition of very high financial fines, in order to drastically reduce the problems occurring in various parts of the city and countryside,” emphasized Mr. Pantelis Georgiou.
Meanwhile, the Water Development Department announced a new tender on 31 October for the operation and partial renovation of the wastewater treatment facility handling domestic wastewater, industrial waste, excess sludge, and leachate in Vati. The contract cost for five years, including renovations, has been estimated at €3,812,000, with provisions for extending the contract for an additional year. The deadline for submitting bids or participation applications is 2 December 2025.
The Vati Wastewater Treatment Plant is managed by the Water Development Department in cooperation with the Development Agency of Lemesos (ANELEM), following the departure of the previous contractor. As the Department noted, following the temporary takeover and initial improvement works at the plant, the next logical step is to announce a tender for another private contractor to undertake both the necessary renovations and the long-term management of the facility.
According to the Department, the plant does not face serious problems beyond expected daily minor issues. The term “renovation” in the relevant tenders is used to provide bidders with the opportunity, if they wish, to incorporate new technology and equipment, aiming to reduce operating costs during the period of operation and maintenance, which they will bear for an extended period.
The construction of the plant began in 2012, under the implementation of the Water Development Department, while its operation started gradually from late September 2018, with the aim of ending the unauthorized disposal of wastewater and waste in the area.
