Nicosia, Cyprus. Dromolaxia-Meneou mayor Kypros Andronikou on Tuesday called on authorities to immediately take measures to combat coastal erosion, saying the problem was worsening and affecting access, infrastructure and the local economy.
Coastal damage
Andronikou said there was a major erosion problem along the coastline from the Pervolia Lighthouse to Meneou, adding that it was getting worse and creating serious difficulties for residents and visitors trying to access the sea, as well as for beach operations, infrastructure and the local economy.
He said erosion had already affected Pervolia, where part of the area was in immediate danger of collapse and had to be temporarily cordoned off by the municipality after the authorities did not carry out the necessary works.
Delays and objections
Andronikou said that if the state services had proceeded with the required works, the pedestrian walkway would not exist today, despite assurances given at a meeting last September that immediate intervention and protection would be carried out.
He added that the necessary studies for anti-erosion measures had been completed and that construction of breakwaters had begun, but that the decision was later overturned by the environmental department, which said milder interventions should have been implemented.
Call for timetables
The mayor said the municipality had pressed for timetables to resolve the erosion problem, arguing that the situation required immediate measures and action because of delays linked to licensing and bureaucratic procedures.
“Nature and erosion cannot wait for administrative procedures,” he said.
Andronikou said he was disappointed with how the authorities had handled the issue and said he hoped the timetables set for autumn would still go ahead. He called on authorities to act immediately and provide solutions, saying the municipality could not wait for further bureaucratic delays.
