AKEL and EKA delegation visits areas affected by the fires
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 11th August 2020, Nicosia
Yesterday, a delegation of AKEL and the Union of Cypriot Farmers (EKA) visited the areas affected by the fires that have broken out in recent days, namely Kouklia, Archimandrita, Musere, Doras and Prastio Avdimou. The delegation included the AKEL Paphos District Secretary Paphos and MP Andros Fakontis, the Chairman of the Agriculture Committee of the House of Representatives AKEL MP Andreas Kafkalias, the General Secretary of EKA Panikos Hambas and the EKA Paphos District Secretary Andreas Chrysanthou.
It is difficult to assess the ecological damage caused by the fires since so many types of the Cypriot flora and fauna have been destroyed, while natural habitats have disappeared. The fires also burned several pastures, mainly in the area of Dora, with the result that farmers in the area have been dealt a severe blow.
The delegation talked to forest firefighters who fought to put out the fires, as well as to local community leaders, residents and farmers of the affected areas. In addition, the delegation contacted the relevant departments (Limassol and Paphos District Department of Agriculture) so that the relevant mechanisms act immediately and plans can be submitted to provide support to those affected.
Everything indicates that the fires were once again malicious, which is a matter of great concern. We expect the investigations to identify the culprits will arrive at a conclusion with their exemplary punishment.
The people in the front line waged another battle with the few means at their disposal and came out victorious. The state must finally find solutions to the problems of understaffing afflicting the Forestry Department and the lack of suitable equipment for these workers.
The AKEL MPs will raise the above issues in the relevant Parliamentary committees for discussion. However, the government must also demonstrate the political will to strengthen the Forestry Department, as well as to provide support to affected areas and farmers.
