Quarry materials are essential for development, emphasised Antonis Latouros, president of the Pancyprian Association of Quarries, during a recent statement. On Monday, he highlighted the critical role that quarries play in the construction of infrastructure such as roads, ports, hospitals, and homes. His comments followed a significant action by 22 quarry companies across Cyprus, which halted product sales for 48 hours in solidarity with three quarries in Xylofagou that have been on strike since last Thursday.
Quarry materials: Strike Highlights Long-standing Dispute
The strike and subsequent suspension of sales shine a light on ongoing tensions surrounding quarry expansion within the Sovereign Base Area (SBA) in Dhekelia. Latouros explained that operators in Xylofagou submitted expansion applications back in 2018 due to dwindling reserves. At that time, there was no policy statement governing the British bases, and the applications were filed under an outdated regulatory framework.
Support from the Agriculture Ministry
The Agriculture Ministry’s mines and quarries service expressed support for the quarry operators’ requests, encouraging the bases to integrate these expansions into new urban planning zones. However, when a new policy statement and updated plans were unveiled in 2022, the requested extensions were conspicuously absent.
Impending Closures and Economic Concerns
As a result of this regulatory impasse, one of the Xylofagou quarries has already shut down, and the remaining two are projected to close within one to two months. This situation poses a significant risk to the availability of local quarry materials for parts of Famagusta and Larnaca. Latouros warned that if local supplies are exhausted, reliance on materials transported from other provinces would not only inflate costs but also contribute to increased carbon emissions and traffic congestion.
Wider Implications Beyond Xylofagou
The issue of quarry expansion is not isolated to Xylofagou. Latouros pointed out that similar challenges are being faced in other regions, including Androlykou. The potential depletion of resources in these areas could have long-term consequences for the construction industry across Cyprus.
Proposed Solutions from Quarry Operators
In light of the ongoing strike and the urgent need for resolution, the Xylofagou quarries have put forth three possible solutions to the authorities:
- Immediate approval of the 2018 expansion request.
- Permission to commence preliminary work in the new zone under current regulations.
- Allocation of a new temporary site near the ceasefire line and British firing range.
The mines and quarries service has confirmed that it is working on proposals to secure medium-term reserves, a move that the Pancyprian Association of Quarries has urged be expedited. Latouros emphasised the critical nature of these actions, stating that delays could jeopardise construction activities, employment opportunities, and the broader economy.
A Call for Action
As the situation continues to unfold, the quarries’ plight serves as a reminder of the intricate balance between development needs and regulatory frameworks. With the construction industry being a significant pillar of the Cypriot economy, the need for a sustainable and forward-thinking approach to quarry management has never been more pressing.
Latouros concluded his remarks by reiterating the importance of quarry materials, stating, “Without quarry materials, there would be no roads, ports, hospitals or houses.” This stark reminder underscores the vital role that quarries play in the foundation of modern infrastructure and the urgent need for collaborative solutions to ensure their future viability.
