THE DISPUTE over the proposed waste disposal plant in Lymbia appeared to be reaching a compromise yesterday, after the Interior Minister and the village council discussed ways to relocate some units of the plant further away from the community.
Both parties described their two-hour meeting as “constructive” while experts visited the site of the proposed waste disposal plant – located about four kilometres from the village of Lymbia – to examine the technical side of such an arrangement.
While rumours had circulated all day about how exactly some of the units of the plant would be relocated, both the community leader of the village of Lymbia and the Interior Minister were keeping their cards close.
Interior Minister Neoclis Sylikiotis would not be drawn into commenting on the exact nature of the changes, saying only that he was optimistic and that he would hold additional meetings with the village council.
“We are currently looking into the issue of relocation, as much as is technically possible of course. There are some limits however that we all must have in mind. We are committed to finding a solution through dialogue,” he told reporters yesterday.
Community leader Sophocles Savva declared his optimism that a deal on the ongoing row was not far away.
“The dialogue we had was extremely constructive and as we have put forward some proposals as a community. There are still some things that need to be seen before hopefully we can make a decision all together. I hope that we are close to a solution,” he said.
Technocrats arrived in the area yesterday afternoon in order to have a look at the area. The village council has reportedly demanded that the plant, which is set to cater for the Larnaca – Famagusta area, is moved further north from the village.
The Municipalities Union Deputy Chairman Yiannos Lazarides, who was present at the meeting, admitted that the situation was now looking much better.
“Having been present at the meeting I have to say that there has definitely been progress,” he said.
Yesterday’s positive statements were a positive development after Tuesday’s skirmishes between Lymbia residents and police. Cars were hurled from a motorway bridge while police had earlier thrown teargas in order to disperse the protestors. Around 200 villagers had closed the Nicosia – Larnaca highway for more than twelve hours causing traffic congestion as motorists had to use the old Dhali – Lymbia road.
It is expected that the Interior Minister will meet representatives from the village council again today in a bid to reach an ultimate solution on the issue.
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