On Wednesday, February 5, meetings began between representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Union of Municipalities to discuss issues of concern to Local Authorities regarding the implementation of the "Pay As You Throw" program. According to information obtained by "Entrepreneurial Limassol," the first meeting focused on the legislative aspect of the program, for which the Union of Municipalities committed to submitting a relevant proposal.
Regarding financial matters, which are the main concern of Local Authorities, it was agreed that they would be reviewed after the submission of relevant studies by the municipalities by the end of February. At the same time, it was decided that representatives of Local Authorities would participate in the contractual processes for solid waste management infrastructure.
These meetings will be held monthly to ensure continuous updates on developments and the implementation of necessary actions. A technocratic source from the Ministry of Agriculture emphasized that the ultimate goal is a greener Cyprus, in line with the country's European commitments, while also ensuring a better environment for future generations. In parallel with the "Pay As You Throw" program, other initiatives related to it are progressing, based on the plan approved by the Council of Ministers last October.
According to the plan, the Water Development Department is launching a tender for the interim management of the Pentakomo Integrated Waste Management Facility by the private sector, while an upgrade of the facility is also planned. Recently, the tender for the preparation of the documents required for the management assignment process was granted.
At the same time, documents are being prepared for a tender by the Department of Environment, in line with the timeline set by the Council of Ministers, for conducting a feasibility and viability study on all solid waste management infrastructure. The study will cover both existing and planned infrastructure, as well as any additional needs that may arise, including the placement of new facilities, such as a "waste-to-energy" plant.
The goal is for the study to also assess existing private waste management units to achieve a complete mapping of current and proposed facilities. Additionally, green points will be incorporated into the map to reflect actual needs. Due to emerging issues, the possibility of re-zoning green points, recycling corners, and recycling kiosks may also be considered.
The Mayor of Amathounta, Mr. Kyriakos Xydias, a member of the Union of Municipalities, indicated that some of the concerns of the Local Authorities relate to the legislative regulations that are necessary for the implementation of the "Pay As You Throw". Mr. Xydias added that the role of Management Committees in apartment buildings should be clearly defined and that the program should be linked to recycling, with stricter legislative measures for those who do not comply.
He also stressed that a serious issue is the fact that the Pentakomo and Koshi Integrated Waste Management Facilities are not operating as they should. Furthermore, the lack of private waste management units raises concerns about the development of monopolistic conditions in the waste management sector. Finally, he highlighted the need to replace outdated garbage trucks to ensure the safe and hygienic transport of organic waste, preventing the creation of contamination hotspots.
