Akrotiri residents protest planned British bases antennae near salt lake
Akrotiri residents protested plans for up to 68 communications antennae, while British bases authorities said consultation has not yet begun.
Akrotiri, Cyprus. Residents of Akrotiri protested on Tuesday against British government plans to install up to 68 new communications antennae near the adjacent salt lake, calling them “antennae of death”.
They said they had received no information or consultation regarding the proposed antennae, which they believed were already under construction.
British bases response
The British bases’ authorities said they are undertaking a project to modernise infrastructure at the salt lake, including the installation of new equipment and enhancement of existing assets.
They said they remain committed to close and transparent communication with key stakeholders throughout the project’s delivery.
The authorities said the start of activity would be subject to a statutory environmental process and public consultation, adding that they were awaiting necessary applications from the project sponsor before beginning consultation.
They said any work currently taking place near the salt lake is routine maintenance and is not connected to the proposed installation of new listening antennae.
Health concerns and monitoring
The authorities also rejected claims that the antennae have increased or will increase cancer rates among local residents.
They referred to a publicly available study which concluded that the dominant sources of radiofrequency fields were mobile phone and national broadcast systems, and that there was no excess of cancer, birth defects or obstetric problems.
They said they had seen no evidence that this position had changed and had informed the Republic of Cyprus that they were willing to co-sponsor a further independent study.
Existing monitoring arrangements, including in Akrotiri village, continually provide data on equipment emissions to the relevant Republic of Cyprus authorities, they said. The authorities added that they had offered to install additional monitoring units near the salt lake.
The administration said it remained committed to delivering the project responsibly and in close cooperation with local partners and communities.
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