**Akel Raises Concerns Over Pentakomo Waste Treatment Facility**
The head of the Akel party, Stefanos Stefanou, has expressed serious concerns regarding the management and operational issues surrounding the waste treatment facility at Pentakomo. His remarks came after a recent visit to the plant, which serves the Limassol region, and a prior tour of the Koshi facility. Stefanou emphasized the urgent need for the government to take decisive action in light of ongoing challenges and potential legal ramifications from the European Union.
During his visit, Stefanou highlighted that Cyprus is currently facing infringement proceedings from the EU related to the Pentakomo facility. He pointed out that there is also uncertainty surrounding a local investigation that may or may not lead to criminal indictments. “All these things give the whiff of a scandal,” he stated, noting the significant operational problems at both the Pentakomo and Koshi facilities, which he attributed to poor planning and management.
Stefanou urged the government and relevant authorities to address these issues promptly, as they pose risks not only to the environment but also to public health. He criticized the current waste management practices, stating, “We discard garbage, we tell people to recycle, which involves a cost to municipalities, but then we recycle at the source or sort at the source, and in the end these materials do not get recycled but instead get buried. That’s unacceptable and must be dealt with.”
The Akel leader expressed his concerns about the apparent lack of comprehensive planning in waste management, noting that missed deadlines have become commonplace. He warned that responsibility for managing the Pentakomo facility will transition to the Limassol district local government organization (EOA) in June 2027. Stefanou suggested that this change could lead to a situation where the central government shifts responsibility to the EOA, thereby avoiding accountability for the current issues.
The Pentakomo Integrated Waste Management Facility, which began operations in November 2017, is currently managed by the Water Development Department (WDD) after a private contractor was removed due to ongoing operational difficulties. The facility has been undergoing significant repairs and upgrades, co-financed by the EU, following years of management disputes and investigations into alleged fraud.
Despite the EU's financial support, the facility has faced significant challenges, including the illegal disposal of waste from its early days of operation. This has resulted in severe damage to the machinery, leading to a situation where 100% of waste is reportedly sent to landfills. Environmental organizations have raised alarms about the disposal of untreated municipal, medical, and hazardous waste, with local communities near the Pentakomo facility suffering from unbearable conditions due to the accumulation of rubbish and the resulting odors.
In a parliamentary session in December 2024, Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou outlined timelines for the proper functioning of both the Pentakomo and Koshi facilities. She indicated that construction work at the facilities is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2028, with the upgraded facilities expected to be operational by 2029.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Akel party's leadership is calling for immediate action to prevent further deterioration of waste management practices in Cyprus. The emphasis on environmental protection and public health remains a critical concern as the government navigates the complexities of waste management in the region.