The existence of only one entrance is the most serious problem in the rapidly growing Third Industrial Area of Limassol (Agios Silas), where more than 1300 people work and move. Increased traffic and the difficulty of evacuation in case of danger, such as fires that often break out, are major concerns, according to the President of the local Industrialists Association Pavlos Paradisiotis.
The Association highlighted the problem and the construction of a section of the Northern Bypass leading to it has been included in the planning. The project is currently under study by the Ypsonas Municipality, based on a strategic partnership concluded with the local authority, added Mr. Paradisiotis. Regarding the arrival of new industries, he pointed out a lack of appropriate information from the Ministry of Industry, while it would be useful to inform the Association of Industrialists so that it can help where there are problems. As he told us, new industries have arrived, but he would prefer this to be more targeted, so that they are compatible with what exists in and around the area.
As for the controversial issue of a pyrolysis plant, where the local Council considers that such actions should not be allowed, because the Industrial Area is adjacent to a residential area, while concerns related to the environment and public health are also expressed by other industrialists and workers. Pavlos Paradisiotis reminded that, unfortunately, the way was opened by Parliament for the operation of the pyrolysis factory and the issuance of permits by the competent departments is pending. He stressed that the Association is in line with the Municipality of Ypsonas, in its opposition to the proposed plant, in view of the potential risks involved.
The Municipality has created a fire protection zone in the area, with financial support from the Ministry of Industry. According to Mr. Paradisiotis, the aim is to upgrade this to a buffer zone, with a clear delineation of the industrial and residential boundaries. The Industrial Area will also soon have a kindergarten, with the support of the Municipality that will operate it. "The studies have been completed, the necessary amount has been deposited and it is only a matter of time before it is implemented by the Municipality," he indicated.
The remaining services will be promoted on private initiative and the Association is looking for investors who will create and /or manage them for a specific period. "Among them is a gym, so interested employees can do their work out and go to their jobs cheerfully." Regarding security and theft issues, it was decided to install a barrier at the entrance, utilizing technology, so that upon arrival of vehicles the license plate can be recognized, and they can enter. Tenders have been requested for the project and funds have been earmarked by the Ministry for its execution.
More and more industries are investing in photovoltaics, but according to Pavlos Paradisiotis there could have been more.
He pointed out that a survey conducted by the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry showed that only 40% of Directors have a clear knowledge of what is coming in the fields of Energy and Environment, based on the targets set by the EU. That is why the Council of the Third Industrial Area has forwarded the request to the LCCI and the other Industrial Areas to prepare studies on the needs that will arise so that they can be addressed in the best possible way.
