Nicosia, Cyprus. The union of municipalities on Wednesday expressed concern over the implementation of the landfill tax, citing serious economic and environmental implications. It described the measure as an image of a lack of comprehensive planning.
Concerns over planning and costs
The union said the green transition cannot be built with fragmented decisions, delays and the transfer of financial burdens to municipalities and residents.
It referred to costs caused by what it described as the state’s failure and its inability to provide the necessary waste management infrastructure. The union said municipalities were already facing increased financial obligations while also being called upon to implement waste management policies.
It added that there is no coherent state approach and no clear strategic planning for the implementation of such an important measure.
Warning over EU funding
The union said delays in decision-making and the absence of a coordinated national strategy could jeopardise European funding amounting to €23 million.
According to the union, the funding is intended for the development of recycling, source separation and modern waste management. It said these investments are a key condition for achieving national and European environmental objectives and for moving away from the outdated practice of landfilling.
Call for national plan
Calling on the government to assume its responsibilities for chronic deficiencies, the municipalities demanded the implementation of a comprehensive national plan to ensure efficient waste management and the utilisation of EU funds for the creation of necessary infrastructure.
The union said this requires timely planning, adequate infrastructure, substantial cooperation and clear political will so that the environmentally damaging practice of landfilling waste can finally be stopped.
Rejection of additional burdens
The union reiterated that it would not accept further financial burdens being placed on municipalities and the public and demanded solutions.
It concluded that municipalities and residents cannot and should not pay the price of state failure and the inability to promptly implement the necessary infrastructure, which it said keeps the country tied to the practice of landfilling waste.
