Cyprus Times

Protest in Mazotos Against Desalination Unit

Published January 24, 2026, 14:05
Protest in Mazotos Against Desalination Unit

A protest took place in Mazotos by the Community Council against the decision to install a mobile desalination unit in the area. The Community Leader, George Dimitriou Pafitis, stated that he possesses an independent study recommending against the installation due to the sensitive habitats present. Protesters expressed concerns about the lack of consultation and potential environmental damage, characterizing the government's decisions as 'dictatorial'. The Mazotos Community Council demands the immediate withdrawal or suspension of the decision, the preparation of a complete and independent environmental impact assessment, a documented evaluation of alternative solutions, and compliance with legal procedures. While acknowledging the water problem, the Council believes that hasty decisions are unacceptable and that transparency and social consensus are required. The Community Leader emphasized that the protest does not question the need to address water scarcity, but focuses on the lack of study and the arbitrary nature of the decision. He expressed fears that the government is attempting to bypass environmental studies and urban planning authorities. A meeting is scheduled in the Mazotos community on January 31st with the Ministers of Interior and Agriculture, to which the public is invited to attend for information on the matter. The Community Council has already sent a letter to the Minister of Agriculture, requesting answers to specific questions.