Wastewater from a residential complex in Pila threatens the coast and public health

A scandal is brewing in the Republic of Cyprus over the discharge of wastewater from a large residential complex in Pila. According to residents of Oroklini, sewage is entering a stormwater channel leading to the sea, creating a threat to the environment and public health.

Local residents complain about a strong foul smell in the area of the former Golden Fish restaurant on the Oroklini coast and are calling for urgent intervention by the authorities.

Deputy Mayor of Oroklini Neophytos Fakonis confirmed that the problem has existed for a long time. According to him, representatives of the local authorities and the Department of Environment have inspected the site repeatedly, but no effective measures have been taken.

It turned out that Pila does not have a centralized sewage system. When the septic tanks of the residential complex overflow, wastewater flows into the stormwater channel. The problem becomes especially noticeable in summer, when the load on the system increases significantly.

Fakonis believes that those responsible should be fined. In his opinion, the Department of Environment has the authority to impose a fine of up to 4,000 euros, but this has not happened so far.

The head of the Pila community, Simos Mitidis, also confirmed the existence of the problem. He said that the complex has 64 residential units and that construction of the sewage network is being delayed. For now, the local authorities are trying to secure regular pumping of the septic tanks and speed up implementation of the sewage project.

After the complaints were published, inspectors from the Department of Environment visited the site again. The department said that responsibility for resolving such issues under the law lies with local self-government authorities. At the same time, the community has been advised to organize, at its own expense, the pumping of the overflow tanks until further measures are taken.