President Nikos Christodoulides has called for an immediate halt to roadworks in Akamas due to environmental concerns, stating that the discrepancies observed in the works are unacceptable. Government ministers have previously assured the public that the project’s only issue was the delay it faced, but environmental organizations and audit services have raised alarms over potential infractions.
What is President Nikos Christodoulides’s stance on the Akamas developments?
President Nikos Christodoulides has called for an immediate halt to the ongoing roadworks in Akamas due to environmental concerns. He reacted to evidence showing the works exceeding approved environmental study limits, stressing the importance of respecting the environmental framework and deeming the discrepancies as unacceptable.
Environmental Concerns Trigger Presidential Response
In a recent statement, President Nikos Christodoulides called for an abrupt cessation of the ongoing works in the Akamas region. Reacting to photographs that indicated the roadwork was straying beyond the environmental study’s provisions, the president expressed his personal discontent. He underscored the importance of adhering to the agreed framework, emphasizing that the observed discrepancies were unacceptable.
A Week of Heated Debates Over Roadworks
For over seven days, a fierce debate has unfolded surrounding the roadworks in Akamas. Government ministers have previously assured the public that the project’s only issue was the delay it faced. In contrast, environmental organizations and audit services have sounded alarms over potential infractions, including certain roads being expanded to widths of 10 meters – an expansion not sanctioned by the environmental study.
Environment Minister Addresses Project Delays
Environment Minister Petros Xenophontos acknowledged the project’s significant setbacks. While he dismissed the idea that the works had deviated from the study, he declared the delay as the gravest concern. With the project’s initial deadline long past, the contractors have sought an extension from the government, a request currently under review.
Inside the Deadlines and Developments
Minister Xenophontos revealed that the project’s new completion deadline is set for December 27. As this infrastructure is critical for the region’s development, he plans to convene with the contractors to expedite progress. In the interim, the interior ministry has refuted issuing any development licenses within the Akamas ‘white zones,’ areas designated as off-limits for development.
Conflicting Claims and Ministry Clarifications
Despite reassurances from the interior ministry, environmental groups argue that not only have the roadworks deviated from the original plans, but unauthorized business structures have also sprung up. The ministry has countered by clarifying that license applications are pending and will only gain approval if they comply with the environmental study’s guidelines.
Forestry Department’s Stance
The forestry department has defended the current works, denying any deviation from the environmental study’s terms. They have pledged to maintain full compliance and will respond to any observations from the environment department and audit service. The first phase of the forestry road improvements, they insist, falls squarely within the department’s remit and is for private use.
The Ongoing Discussions
The emergence of these issues has spurred extensive discussions on the legitimacy and compliance of the roadworks. In response to the growing concerns, the forestry department has proactively engaged the environment department to verify adherence to the environmental guidelines.
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Quick Recap
- President Nikos Christodoulides has called for an immediate halt to roadworks in Akamas due to environmental concerns.
- Discrepancies observed in the works are considered unacceptable.
- Environmental organizations and audit services have raised alarms over potential infractions.
- Government ministers had previously assured the public that the project’s only issue was the delay it faced.
- The roadworks have caused a week of heated debates and discussions.
