Statement by Christina Nikolaou, Head of Energy and Environmental Policy of AKEL on the Audit Office report on the Kouris dam

 

14 December 2023, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

The report of the Audit Service on the illegal interventions on state land and the Kouris River raises a number of questions about the way the competent government departments operate and exposes political and governmental responsibilities that arise with the ultimate aim of serving private interests.

The matter was discussed in the relevant Parliamentary Committee last October, and it asked the Audit Office to investigate the matter.

The then Minister of Agriculture, who approved the granting of a water abstraction licence for the purpose of supplying water to the illegal facilities, bears grave responsibilities.

This is not the first time that scandals of the previous DISY – Anastasiades government have been revealed. Despite all the recommendations, however, the government of Nicos Christodoulides does not seem to have any intention of intervening to restore the environment either.

AKEL is calling for an immediate disciplinary investigation to be carried out by the competent authorities and for all necessary measures to be taken, while at the same time bringing the issue back for discussion in the relevant Parliamentary Committee on the Environment.

14.12.2023