I received a very interesting email a few days ago from reader MB, from Limassol. It concerns an issue I’ve been writing about for many years in Phileleftheros—the unbelievable, deafening noise that now spreads throughout the city, both along the coast (from one end to the other) and in its historic center.
The reader resides there, and she was kind enough to write to me about this, hoping that it will reach the right people (editor’s note: I’m not optimistic, between us, as the city authorities, police, and local government (who will again ask for your votes) have never done anything—don’t believe anyone who tells you otherwise):
“I have in mind some of your references in Phileleftheros regarding noise pollution in Limassol. I wanted to inform you that the problem is so huge that the residents of the historic center have organized themselves and created a very active association, primarily aimed at combating the scourge of noise pollution, for the past ten years!!!!
It has come to our attention that there is currently a relevant bill being discussed in parliament for consultation, the content of which we do not know, and no one has even asked for the opinions of the residents.”
Certainly, Ms. MB! They never took into account “the opinions of the residents.” Whenever I come to Cyprus, specifically Limassol, I stay on the coastal road. Formerly towards Agios Tychonas, now closer to Limassol, after the Yacht Club. There, apart from the terrifying revving of motorcycles and cars with ‘modified’ engines, we also have the equally terrifying loudspeakers from nearby bars and restaurants, which, apparently to boost alcohol consumption primarily, raise their decibels.
Every time we called Limassol Police, they would say, “We will send a patrol car.” Sometimes they did, sometimes not. The essence is that the violation continues unabated every day, every night. When I mentioned the deafening music to the responsible department, they asked if it was foreign or Greek! Does it matter, I asked. “Of course,” the response was. Foreign music, “bata-bouta”, is louder.
I throw my hands up in the air!
Fortunately, however, the residents of the affected areas by noise pollution, something that, as PB wrote to me, “afflicts and interests all provinces,” must know that they have a voice. And, of course, a vote!
I will continue to raise my voice, and obviously support any selfless initiative that prioritizes the health (mental and physical) and the aesthetics of citizens over commercial and other interests!…
P.S., to lighten things up a bit. And since we are talking about music, today’s post comes from our friend Panagiotis K. on Facebook, who writes: “I was at the surgeon’s yesterday for a procedure on my veins. I asked the anesthesiologist to play music. And they played Socrates Malamas. Therefore, it was proven that with Malamas, you cut veins. Awaiting discharge. Good morning.”
Good morning, Panagiotis, get well soon, and next time, be more specific when asking for music from an anesthesiologist. I’m sure my beloved doctor Sofia H., who adores Malamas, will give me an earful, and the next time she needs to draw blood for tests, … oh-oh-oh, she’ll give me a hard time!
(*) And incessantly, until the wrongdoing stops and we finally become serious. Our beloved municipal and other political leaders, who always seek the votes of the citizens, whom you have deafened!
