LAND PROMISED to Cypriots displaced from northern Cyprus in 1974, may now be used as a cemetery.
The public cemetery of Paphos doesn’t have any space left and authorities have been investigating areas deemed suitable for a new site.
An area known as Morocambos; close to Achelia village in Paphos has been earmarked for this purpose. The Paphos municipality and the Ministries of the Interior and Agriculture have confirmed talks taking place regarding this issue.
The matter has become urgent, as there is no room for further burials in the central Paphos cemetery.
But the proposed site has stirred up trouble with over 100 families, who had previously been promised building plots in the area.
One of them, who wished to remain anonymous, spoke to the Cyprus Mail.
”My parents were displaced from northern Cyprus after the Turkish invasion. We lost everything, including our home.
“The government promised to help us and other families who are in a similar position. They do this by giving plots of land so you can build your own house,” the distressed woman said.
“It was terrible for my family and others like us who lost everything.”
She added, “Four years ago we all had to fill in various forms to apply for this help, and we were informed that we would be given building plots in Morocambos. But now the municipality of Paphos and the Ministry of Agriculture want to take this land and build a cemetery.”
“They lied to us, she said, “They promised us this land.”
“We’ve been waiting for four years and for what? [The government] has turned around and told us that they will build a cemetery here. There are one hundred and ten families in the same position as mine. I am married and live with my parents; some of the other families who are still waiting have children.”
The families are concerned that if plans for a cemetery go ahead, they will not be given an alternative building plot in Paphos. In addition concern has been voiced regarding inflation and rising costs.
“I’ve tried to speak with everyone from the local council to politicians. Nobody seems to know what’s going on, and people keep telling us different things. We need to be informed as to what is happening. The government promised us that land.”
Local councillor Polis Polydorou said, the matter of the cemetery in Morocambos is still being discussed.
“As far as I’m aware, nothing has yet been decided,” he added.
And what of the people who were promised the land to build their homes?
“I suggest these people go to town planning to request information they need. They should also contact the Interior Ministry, who are handling the situation,” he said.
