**Dust, Abandoned Buildings Top Residents’ Concerns at Larnaca Port Meeting**
Larnaca, Cyprus – A public meeting held on Wednesday at the departure hall of Larnaca port brought together local residents and municipal officials, including Mayor Andreas Vyras, to address pressing issues affecting the community. The discussions primarily revolved around dust pollution from port operations, the prevalence of abandoned buildings, and ongoing cleanliness problems in the area.
Mayor Vyras opened the meeting by emphasizing the municipality's commitment to listening to residents' concerns. “We didn’t come only to speak, we came to listen,” he stated, acknowledging the long-standing issues that have been exacerbated in recent years.
One of the most significant concerns raised by residents was the dust generated during the loading and unloading of gypsum and animal feed at the port. Many attendees expressed worries about the health implications of this dust, citing reports from local doctors indicating increased rates of respiratory issues among residents living near the port. Vyras confirmed that the municipality has consistently brought this matter to the attention of the Cyprus Ports Authority and the Ministry of Transport, highlighting it as one of the community's most urgent challenges.
In response to these concerns, the mayor outlined a potential long-term solution: relocating the gypsum and animal feed operations to a future industrial port at Vasiliko. This project has received confirmation from both the President of Cyprus and the relevant minister, although Vyras noted that its completion would take time. In the interim, the municipality is relying on new specialized loading equipment, which is expected to reduce dust emissions significantly. The estimated cost of this machinery ranges from €10 million to €12 million, with assurances that it could cut dust levels by approximately 90%. “They assure us that once this equipment arrives, 90 percent of the problem will be solved,” Vyras remarked, indicating that the municipality would evaluate the equipment's effectiveness once operational.
The meeting also addressed the growing issue of abandoned properties in the area. Mayor Vyras pointed out that many of these buildings have become dumping grounds, contributing to local cleanliness problems. He explained that the municipality faces challenges in addressing these issues on private property due to the need for legal procedures before they can intervene. Some abandoned properties have already been cleaned, while legal action is underway to allow municipal crews access to others.
In addition to the abandoned buildings, Vyras acknowledged the persistent problem of illegal dumping in the neighborhood. He described the municipality's struggle to maintain cleanliness, stating, “We clean one day and by the next it’s as if we never cleaned.” Identifying and penalizing those responsible for illegal dumping remains a significant challenge for the municipality.
Looking toward the future, Mayor Vyras discussed the Cyprus Ports Authority's initiation of procedures for a comprehensive redevelopment of Larnaca port and marina, a project estimated to cost around €400 million. He mentioned that consultants are expected to begin work on the redevelopment plans soon, with some preliminary improvements likely to commence earlier. These improvements include relocating the boatyard from the marina, removing abandoned vessels from the port, and conducting maintenance work ahead of the larger redevelopment project.
While residents expressed understanding of the municipality's efforts, many voiced frustration over the prolonged neglect of the area. They highlighted that despite repeated assurances of improvement, the port and its surroundings have remained disadvantaged for years.
The meeting served as a platform for residents to voice their concerns and for the municipality to outline its plans. As the discussions concluded, it was clear that while there are proposals for addressing the issues at hand, the community remains hopeful for tangible improvements in the near future.