**Amathus Mayor Demands Action Over Multiple Sources of Sea Pollution**
In a recent statement, Amathus Mayor Kyriakos Xydias emphasized the urgent need for action to address the ongoing issue of sea pollution in Limassol, attributing the problem to various factors both on land and at sea. His comments followed a meeting at the deputy shipping ministry, where officials discussed additional measures to enhance inspections and combat marine pollution amid rising complaints regarding the water quality along Limassol’s coastline.
Xydias pointed out that the sources of pollution are diverse and include fish farms, recreational boats, commercial shipping, and pipelines discharging waste into the sea. He expressed frustration over the persistent nature of the issue, stating, “We demand that those responsible find a solution.” The mayor highlighted that marine pollution in Limassol Bay has been a concern for municipal authorities for several years, despite various studies and decisions aimed at addressing the problem.
The mayor's remarks come at a time when the Amathus and Limassol municipalities have decided not to apply for Blue Flag status for their beaches in 2026, a decision influenced by the ongoing pollution issues. Xydias noted that Amathus lost the nine Blue Flags it held in 2025 as a result.
During the meeting, Xydias raised concerns about a drainage pipe associated with a high-rise development currently under construction. He confirmed that emergency works were underway to relocate the pipe further from the coastline to comply with permit conditions. The environment department acknowledged that a permit for the drainage pipe existed, but it was later determined that the pipe should have been extended further from the beach than it currently is.
The drainage pipe, previously situated within the boundaries of Limassol municipality at Akti Olympion, is being moved parallel to the coastline toward the Dasoudi area, which falls under Amathus jurisdiction. Xydias questioned the design of the pipeline, asking why it turned twice and why it affected an area different from the one where the development is taking place. He also criticized the lack of oversight regarding compliance with the permit.
While Xydias indicated that the discharged water may not pose a direct health risk to swimmers, he warned of potential environmental consequences, including aesthetic issues and the risk of eutrophication if the waste reaches the coast. He reiterated the need for a coordinated response from the various government departments involved, as their fragmented approach has hindered effective solutions.
The meeting held on Thursday also faced criticism from organized swimmers who felt excluded from the discussions. Erma Stylianidou, president of the Akti Olympion winter swimmers and friends association, expressed disappointment that neither citizens nor representatives from her group were invited. She characterized the meeting as a missed opportunity, stating, “They waited for the summer to pass to hold a meeting in which neither citizens nor organized swimmers were represented, and it is a disgrace that they did not invite us.” Stylianidou highlighted that her group had been advocating for solutions for 16 years, while others had been doing so for over two decades. She stressed that without addressing all sources of pollution collectively, the situation would remain unchanged.
In response to concerns regarding the old port's capacity to manage sewage from recreational vessels, Limassol port master Panayiotis Agathocleous defended the port's facilities. He stated that the four active coastal passenger vessels operating from the old port during the summer are equipped with holding tanks and that there is a sewage reception and management system connected to the sewerage network. In cases where other vessels encounter issues, he noted that a tanker is dispatched to collect waste, with the process monitored through receipts.
The ongoing dialogue among municipal authorities, environmental agencies, and local stakeholders underscores the complexity of the pollution problem in Limassol. As the community grapples with the effects of marine pollution, the call for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to tackle the issue remains paramount.