Dialogos

Deadlock in Mazotos Desalination Dispute – Minister Says Full Compensation Not Possible

Published January 23, 2026, 06:06
Deadlock in Mazotos Desalination Dispute – Minister Says Full Compensation Not Possible

The Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panagiotou, acknowledged the deadlock in negotiations with the Mazotos Community Council regarding the installation of a mobile desalination unit in the area. The minister stated that not all requests for compensation submitted by the community can be met, leading to the planned protest rally by the Mazotos Community Council on Saturday, January 24th. The Minister emphasized that some actions have already been taken to address water losses, but certain requests are difficult to implement due to required procedures and coordination with other ministries. The desalination proposal will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval. The Mazotos Community Council is reacting to the decision, characterizing it as arbitrary and hasty, as it is not accompanied by an environmental study or consultation with the community. They have sent a letter of protest to the President of the Republic, the Ministers of Interior and Agriculture, political parties, the Larnaca Provincial Administration Organization, and the District Officer of Larnaca. In their letter, they emphasize that the decision violates the principles of environmental governance, as basic studies and alternative solutions are lacking. They also highlight the ecological importance of the Mazotos marine area, which hosts significant biodiversity, protected species, and fishing activity, as well as intense tourist movement. The community insists on the revocation of the decision and the conduct of a comprehensive study on the environmental impacts of the desalination unit installation.