For at least the past five years, the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has been warning the competent government authorities that the lack of alternative wastewater disposal infrastructure in Limassol would sooner or later lead to a serious crisis—such as the one that unfolded in recent days following the reduced operation of the Vati Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is currently undergoing an upgrade.
LCCI President, Andreas Tsouloftas, told Entrepreneurial Limassol that the Chamber had repeatedly sent letters and held meetings with the relevant ministers, stressing the need for timely planning. However, the necessary measures were never taken. According to Mr. Tsouloftas, the current situation is the result of inadequate planning and a lack of coordination between the authorities involved.
Mr. Tsouloftas described the operation of the wastewater reception facility only two days per week as unsustainable. He also pointed out that, unlike other districts, Limassol does not have an alternative facility capable of handling wastewater when the main treatment plant is partially out of service due to upgrade or maintenance works.
As is well known, wastewater tanker operators in Limassol launched an indefinite strike a few days ago. They also staged a protest outside the Presidential Palace, calling on the government to immediately designate a lawful site for wastewater disposal. Their representatives stated that the reduced capacity of the Vati facility to receive wastewater has resulted in long waiting times for tanker trucks, overflows, and major difficulties in servicing households, businesses, and hotels. They have made it clear that their industrial action will continue until a meaningful solution is found.
For its part, the Limassol District Local Government Organisation (EOA Limassol) explained that it cannot indefinitely increase the volume of wastewater received from tanker trucks, as its priority is to ensure the safe operation of the wastewater treatment facilities serving the wider Limassol area. Officials noted that serious operational problems had occurred in the past, demonstrating the risks associated with overloading the plant.
According to the EOA, the request for a substantial increase in the daily volume of wastewater accepted from tanker trucks cannot be accommodated, as this could jeopardise the operation of a treatment plant that processes approximately 30,000 cubic metres of municipal wastewater every day. The organisation also pointed out that wastewater delivered by tanker trucks differs significantly from wastewater entering through the sewerage network, as it may contain solid materials, toxic substances or other unsuitable waste capable of causing serious damage to the plant's equipment.
An EOA spokesperson explained that wastewater delivered by tanker trucks requires a specific acceptance procedure and pre-treatment process. They added that the long-term solution is the construction of dedicated storage facilities at the Vati plant, allowing wastewater to be received and treated gradually without disrupting the station's normal operation. According to the Water Development Department, cases of unsuitable wastewater disposal have been identified, creating additional operational challenges at the treatment facility. The Department expects the plant to return to full operating capacity by the end of the year.
The Water Development Department and the Department of Environment attribute the current problems to the temporary effects of the upgrade works at the Vati facility. They noted that measures have already been introduced to assist wastewater transport operators, including the use of treatment stations at Moni and Vathia Gonia, while additional options are also being considered.
The Vati Wastewater Treatment Plant, which handles domestic wastewater, industrial effluent, excess sludge and landfill leachate, is being upgraded under a contract awarded through a tender issued by the Water Development Department. The contract was awarded to MICHANIKI PERIVALLONTOS S.A., with the agreement signed on 4 February 2026. It provides for the refurbishment of the facility during the first year, followed by its operation and maintenance for five years, with an option to extend the contract for an additional year.
