Ecologists raise Natura 2000 concerns over proposed Ayios Sozomenos prison

Ayios Sozomenos, Cyprus. The Ecologists have raised concerns that the proposed relocation of the central prisons to Ayios Sozomenos could affect protected land within the Natura 2000 network. The party called on the government to consult local authorities and residents and conduct a full assessment before proceeding.

Environmental and archaeological concerns

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the party said Ayios Sozomenos had particular archaeological and environmental importance.

It argued that the abandonment of the village by its Turkish Cypriot residents should not result in it being treated as “no man’s land” or used for large-scale projects without proper planning and environmental assessment.

The Ecologists said all relevant factors should be considered before a final decision is taken on the prison project.

Government changes proposed site

The intervention follows the government’s decision last week to abandon Mathiatis as the proposed location for the new prison and move the project to Ayios Sozomenos.

Justice Minister Costas Fitiris said the change was based on cost and time considerations, as Ayios Sozomenos already has access to roads, water, electricity and sewage infrastructure.

The proposed facility is expected to cost €300 million and accommodate 1,500 inmates. Construction is due to begin next year, with completion planned within five years.

Municipal objections

The proposal has also prompted condemnation from the municipalities of South Nicosia-Idalion and Latsia-Yeri, whose boundaries are adjacent to Ayios Sozomenos.

The municipalities called for the site decision to be reversed, saying the area already includes extensive industrial and agricultural activity, including quarries, pig farms and livestock waste treatment facilities.

They also cited an EAC overhead power line and said the area had been earmarked for livestock farming under the government’s national plan to rebuild the sector.