Newsroom
Residents and local officials in the community of Mazotos staged a protest on Saturday in response to government plans to install a mobile desalination unit in the area. The demonstration was organized by the Mazotos Community Council, which argues that the decision was made without adequate studies, consultation, or transparency.
Community leader Georgios Dimitriou Paphitis said the council has obtained an independent environmental study warning against the installation of a desalination unit at the proposed site. According to the study, the area contains sensitive natural habitats, making it unsuitable for such infrastructure.
During the protest, participants displayed banners calling for environmental protection and criticizing what they described as a lack of public consultation and rushed decision-making. Some slogans questioned whether residents were being treated as second- or third-class citizens.
The Community Council is calling on authorities to immediately withdraw or suspend the decision and to proceed instead with a comprehensive and independent environmental impact assessment. It is also requesting a thorough review of alternative locations and solutions, as well as clear confirmation that all procedures required under national and EU law are being followed.
While acknowledging that water scarcity is one of the country’s most pressing challenges, the council stressed that addressing the problem should not come at the expense of environmental safeguards or democratic process. Council representatives emphasized that urgent needs do not justify arbitrary actions.
Mr. Paphitis reiterated that both the council and local residents oppose what they view as a poorly prepared decision, particularly one that may threaten protected ecosystems such as Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows. He added that concerns have been raised about attempts to bypass environmental assessments and planning authorities.
A public meeting is scheduled to take place in Mazotos on Saturday, 31 January, in the presence of the Ministers of Interior and Agriculture. Residents of Mazotos and neighboring Alaminos have been invited to attend and receive official updates on the project.
The community leader also noted that a formal letter was sent to the Minister of Agriculture on 19 January seeking clarification on key issues. Although a response was later received from the Ministry’s Director General, it did not address the questions raised. As a result, the council is requesting that detailed environmental studies be presented publicly during the upcoming meeting.
