Government halts heavy industry in Vasilikos

The Cypriot government has granted a long-standing request from the Vasilikos area's coordinating committee, prohibiting further heavy industry licensing in the region. As reported by Philenews, the Cabinet's decision aims to preserve the area east of Vasilopotamos for light uses only, such as offices and warehouses.

The issue was brought to President Nikos Christodoulides on September 14, 2023, in a meeting with leaders from the nine Vasilikos communities affected by the energy center and other industrial developments.

According to the Cabinet’s decision, applications for heavy industrial installations, including urea, ammonia, asphalt production plants, and new power generation facilities, will not be considered while the relevant decree is in effect. This decree will be finalized with the publication of revised urban zones.

Last Wednesday, the Cabinet decided to issue a decree designating the Vasilikos White Zone, covering parts of Kalavasos, Tochni, and Mari in the Larnaca District. This followed a recommendation from the Department of Town Planning and Housing to implement the President’s directive, preventing new heavy industrial developments in the Industrial Zone B2, east of Vasilopotamos.

The directive aims to restrict industrial developments considered disruptive to the surrounding residential areas. However, Paramount Energy Services Ltd. is exempt, having already secured permits for a 105 MW unit in Tochni.

This restriction aligns with the Revised Spatial Plan for the Energy Centre, dated March 2022, prepared by the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, and Industry. Under Article 35(1) of the Town and Spatial Planning Law, the Cabinet can designate a White Zone where existing uses remain largely unchanged, and new building work is limited.

For the communities of Kalavasos, Tochni, and Mari, the White Zone designation will be in place for one year, pending the publication of revised Urban Zones.

The Environmental Authority's opinion, dated February 15, 2023, on the revised spatial development plan for the Vasilikos area, emphasized avoiding siting installations in potential flood risk areas unless no alternative sites are available. In such cases, measures must be taken to minimize flood damage.

Despite these precautions, the siting of liquefied gas infrastructure in the potential flood risk area of the Vasilopotamos river was deemed the most suitable option compared to alternatives. Consultants advise against placing any additional critical infrastructure in the flood risk zone and recommend conducting a comprehensive flood risk management study.

The decision marks a significant step in balancing industrial development with the preservation of residential communities and environmental safety in the Vasilikos area.

[Information sourced from Philenews]