Immediate support for farmers and livestock producers affected by the devastating fires
Statement by AKEL MP Yiannakis Gavriel and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture
8th July 2021, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia
Once again it has been proven in the worst possible way that in Cyprus we don’t only not plan for developments, but are not even prepared.
The 2016 fires in the region of Solea, the most devastating fires in the history of the Republic of Cyprus up to that date, were followed by reports and findings of experts on the deficiencies and weaknesses of the firefighting system in Cyprus, as well as proposals for its improvement.
The unprecedented catastrophic fires in the mountainous areas of Larnaca and Limassol proved in the worst way that the measures taken after 2016, those that had been taken, were not sufficient.
Above any material damage lies the protection of human life. We express our shock and sorrow for our four fellow human beings who so unjustly lost their lives.
The damage from the fires is colossal and people are in despair, having lost everything. The damage to agricultural crops and livestock farms in these affected area is in most cases total. We know that the natural environment and crops take years to recover.
The government must immediately come to the rescue and grant the compensation announced as soon as possible, without the affected people having to suffer further because of bureaucratic procedures.
The aim is to provide immediate relief to our affected fellow citizens, to make up the lost income and activate them again as soon as possible.
We suspend judgement on the adequacy of the compensation announced. We shall listen to those affected, follow the matter and come back on the issue in the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture.
