No action has been taken yet to save Akrotiri Salt Lake, despite meetings and announcements made last year to take immediate measures to save the peninsula.
One of the most significant wetlands in the Eastern Mediterranean, Akrotiri Salt Lake, has suffered immense ecological damage, with the area at risk of turning into an endless mudflat.
However, its salvation lies in the hands of the Government, with the Akrotiri Salt Lake Advisory (ASLA) making it clear in a letter to the Ministry of Transport that the state should bear the cost of conducting the study and executing any infrastructure projects that may arise.
Despite intentions to assign the Limassol-Amathus Sewage Council to lead the effort for a comprehensive study, nothing has been done.
ASLA has been waiting for months for a response from the Ministry of Transport regarding various serious issues it has raised in writing, in order to postpone the completion of the comprehensive study, with the ultimate goal of taking action and resolving the problem.
In its letter, ASLA clarifies that assigning responsibility for conducting the study by them should be backed by a clear political decision by the Cabinet and not just a legal opinion or ministerial decision.
It further notes that this is necessary as many different ministries and government departments are involved, which should approach the issue positively and contribute constructively to the study.
Among other things, it suggests that the composition of the Management Team should be determined by a Ministerial decision, which will be under the general coordination of ASLA.
According to the same information, ASLA has recommended to the involved ministries the construction of a sewage system in the three communities adjacent to the Akrotiri Salt Lake (Akrotiri, Asomatos, and Cherkez Chiftlik). Moreover, it has submitted a relevant proposal for the immediate expansion of its geographical boundaries to cover these communities to proceed with the project planning.
