Aradippou residents stage protest against gold plant

By Constantinos Psillides

A convoy of around 50 cars driven by residents of Aradippou, Larnaca were driven around the village on Tuesday evening to protest against the construction of a gold refinery plant in the area.

The protest was to pressure the municipal council to not grant a construction permit for the plant, representative of Larnaca-Aradippou-Krasas Residents Citizens Group and Larnaca in Action Elena Kalli said.

She argued that the competent authorities have proof the gold refinery plant is classified as heavy industry and thus its operation would affect the health of residents.

The Aradippou municipal council will meet on Wednesday to decide on licensing the plant.

Locals are suspicious of their council, as the session is to be held behind closed doors.

Asked to comment on rumours that the plant will be moved to Paphos if the Aradippou Municipal Council doesn’t give the green light, Kalli responded that if this is true then there is no reason for the council to vote in favour of granting a license to the plant. Although she said “we believe that this is just a diversion by the mayor to pressure the council into voting in favour of granting the licence”.

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