dhekelia communities — dhekelia communities — Residents from the Dhekelia cluster of communities are making their voices heard, protesting against the British Sovereign Base Areas (SBA) over persistent planning and quarrying delays.
On Saturday, organised by the Dhekelia Community Services Cluster Council, demonstrators expressed their “intense concern and indignation” regarding a decade of stalled development projects. Their primary grievances include the protracted revision of urban planning zones and the long-awaited expansion of the Xylofagou quarrying zone.
Protesters delivered a memorandum to SBA officials, stating their patience has run thin as they await crucial decisions that impact their future. Since 2022, residents have been anticipating the publication of the revised Policy Statement, which has left many property owners in uncertainty, unable to make plans or develop their land.
The Council has highlighted that current bureaucratic processes require residents to apply for permits from two different authorities. This situation creates unnecessary hurdles, leading residents to feel treated as “second-class citizens.”
Dhekelia communities: Concerns Over Quarry Expansion
A significant point of contention for the community is the expansion of the Xylofagou quarry zone, a request that has been pending since 2018. The Council emphasised that the existing quarry reserves are nearly depleted, raising alarms about the future.
Economic Implications
With current quarry operations stagnating, the Council warned of severe economic consequences:
- Resource Depletion: Existing supplies are dwindling, putting pressure on local construction.
- Unemployment Risk: If local quarries close, it could lead to mass job losses.
- Rising Costs: The scarcity of local materials is driving up construction costs, affecting both public and private projects in the Larnaca and Famagusta districts.
Demands for Immediate Action
The memorandum presented by the protesters outlines urgent demands:
- Immediate Decisions: Clear and binding rulings on planning and quarrying zones are necessary.
- Fair Policy: A balanced urban planning approach that respects residents’ development rights is essential.
- Economic Security: Resolving the quarrying issue is vital to safeguard local jobs and the construction sector.
In response to the protest, a spokesperson for the British Bases acknowledged the community’s right to peaceful demonstration. They noted that cooperation with the Cyprus government is ongoing, with the final non-military development zones expected to be published in spring 2026. However, local leaders have cautioned that if their concerns continue to be ignored, they will escalate their actions.
