**Trozena Environmental Assessment to be Discussed at End of Month**
A significant meeting regarding the Special Ecological Assessment for the Trozena development is scheduled for September 30 at the Limassol district local government organization (EOA). The meeting, announced by Arsos community leader Giannis Giannakis, comes amid ongoing concerns regarding the future of the proposed development in and around the abandoned village of Trozena, which is located within the environmentally sensitive Hapotami Special Protection Area of the Natura 2000 network.
The meeting has been initiated by the Arsos community council, reflecting the community's desire for clarity on the environmental implications of the development project. Key officials, including Elena Stylianopoulou, Deputy Director of the Department of Environment, and Environment Commissioner Ilias Myrianthous, are expected to participate in the discussions. The focus will be on the ecological assessment and the subsequent steps necessary for the project to proceed.
The Trozena development has recently been the subject of controversy, particularly regarding plans for a wellness center in the area. In May, the Limassol EOA ordered a suspension of works requiring permits after inspections revealed that construction was taking place without the necessary planning approvals. Following this, the EOA, in collaboration with the environment department, requested that the architects of the project submit a comprehensive master plan to facilitate a holistic assessment of the development.
In July, the environmental organization Terra Cypria raised concerns that construction activities were continuing without the appropriate environmental and planning approvals. Giannakis, however, refuted these claims, stating that construction had ceased at the end of May and had not resumed since.
In addition to the discussions surrounding the Trozena development, efforts are underway to preserve one of the area's notable landmarks—the British-era metal bridge. Giannakis reported that maintenance work is being conducted on the existing bridge, which includes replacing the floor, painting, and checking the foundations. To facilitate this maintenance, the road crossing the bridge has been temporarily closed.
Simultaneously, the design process for a new bridge has commenced, as the current structure cannot support heavier vehicles, such as tourist buses. Giannakis emphasized that the new bridge's location will adhere to relevant regulations, while the old bridge will be preserved as a historical feature. The metal bridge, dating back to the British colonial period, is characterized by its metal frame and wooden deck, which are typical of the engineering style of that era. Local lore suggests that the bridge was originally constructed in Egypt, disassembled, and then reassembled in the Trozena gorge. Historically, it served the communities in the Diarizos valley, including Gerovasa and Trozena, areas known for their agricultural and viticultural activities.
As the community prepares for the upcoming meeting, residents and stakeholders are keen to gain insights into the ecological assessment and the future of the Trozena development. The outcome of this meeting may play a crucial role in determining the project's direction and its impact on the local environment.