Pavlos Neophytou
The Agriculture Minister, Maria Panayiotou, informed the Parliamentary Committee on Environment that the contract with the Akamas contractor is being terminated due to breached terms. However, the original completion schedule of 2027 remains unaffected, with a focus on reduced environmental impact and stricter supervision.
Minister Panayiotou elaborated on the project's progress. A supplementary Special Ecological Assessment (SEA) for Phase A is complete, with the design phase ongoing. The study will be submitted on January 17th, followed by an ad hoc committee meeting on February 3rd to discuss and decide on the designs. Public Works Department representatives, as road construction experts, will also be invited to the committee meeting.
"All 15 conditions, including limitations on wall construction to the absolute minimum, will be presented to the environmental authority and the ad hoc committee," the Minister affirmed.
In response to inquiries from committee members, Minister Panayiotou confirmed the removal of water and power pipes, fulfilling existing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requirements. Regarding the resumption of works, she relayed the Forestry Department's (contracting authority) expectation of a pre-summer restart.
On the matter of accountability, the Minister informed the committee that three administrative investigations are concluded. The Legal Service is currently examining potential disciplinary offenses, with an extension requested due to the extensive material involved.
Finally, the Minister assured that Akamas compensation measures, such as land non-development for landowners, are on schedule and already completed in some cases.
This article was translated from its Greek original.
