The conversion of a plastic production facility to an aluminium extrusion plant in the Dali industrial area is in the final stage, awaiting environmental approval. The Environment Impact Assessment Committee has completed the project review and is expected to deliver approval very soon.
To ensure less environmental impact, the plant is likely to be directed to connect to the sewage system or transport waste using tankers.
Officials said on Wednesday at a parliamentary Environment Committee meeting that if all the required criteria are met, the transformation project will be issued with planning and building permits following the environmental approval.
The proposed plant in the Dali industrial area for aluminium extrusion, electrostatic painting, and anodising has already fuelled debate among local residents concerning potential health and environmental impacts. Ministry of Interior officials have found that residential areas have expanded into industrial zones due to housing needs.
Local mayors have suggested stricter environmental assessments for delivering approval. Stavros Hadjiyiannis, Mayor of South Nicosia-Dali, has urged for independent ecological studies, while Christos Pittaras, Mayor of Latsia-Yeri, has proposed relocating heavy industry.
However, the company behind the project, Cadal, has assured that it has followed legal procedures concerning environmental protection. It noted that the plant is located 620 metres away from the nearest residential area, a significant distance compared to other similar facilities that are only 109 metres away from housing areas and 300 metres away from schools. Cadal's consideration for the safety of the local residents is evident, and it has appealed for quick environmental approval to avoid delays to the 30 million euro investment.
Responses
