THE MINISTER of Communications and Works has started the procedure for disciplinary action against officers of the Antiquities Department who have allowed construction on top of a significant ancient site at Erimi outside Limassol.
“There is no doubt that there has been mismanagement. We are currently in the process of identifying specific Antiquities Department employees who have acted irresponsibly. Once specific individuals are identified, a disciplinary procedure will be launched,” said Maria Malaktou-Bambali, Minister of Communications and Works.
The area in question has been divided into 31 plots and purchased by 25 buyers with the intention of building residences there. The plot division took place in 2001, at which point the antiquities were discovered. The Antiquities Department visited the site, but found that the antiquities of value were concentrated on the northern part of the area, so the rest could be freely developed with construction work.
In January 2007, antiquities were again discovered while digging to build a house on one of the plots. The Antiquities Department visited the site and this time they ruled that the findings were of archaeological value and should be protected. Construction was therefore halted, which caused strong reaction on the part of the plot owner, who was oblivious to the presence of the antiquities when he bought the land.
At this point, Maria Malaktou-Bambali took over as Minister, and she decided to take matters into her own hands. She visited the site, decided it was of significant archaeological value and placed the issue before the Council of Ministers. The Cabinet jointly decided not to allow construction work or more land expropriation to go ahead in the area. Residences that have already been constructed, however, will remain.
“The land in this area will not be expropriated due to the presence of antiquities,” Malaktou said. “This is not because of the cost of expropriation, but because if anyone has to bear the consequences, it is the state,” she added.
Plot-owners in the area have been protesting for years against the Antiquities Department’s failure to inform them that there were antiquities on their land. Not only did the owners not know this when they purchased the plots, but they were given construction licences between 2001 and 2007, when the authorities knew of the existence of the antiquities. “The disciplinary probe against the Antiquities Department vindicates the local protests,” said Malaktou.
