wastewater crisis — The Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evel) has asserted that the recent wastewater crisis in the region could have been averted, citing a lack of action from government authorities over the past five years. This disruption led to an indefinite strike by tanker operators, who protested the inadequate infrastructure for wastewater disposal.
Wastewater crisis: Warnings Ignored by Authorities
In an interview with Entrepreneurial Limassol, chamber president Andreas Tsouloftas stated that the chamber had consistently warned the government about the urgent need for alternative wastewater disposal solutions. Despite these warnings, he noted that the necessary planning was never implemented, leaving Limassol vulnerable when the Vati Wastewater Treatment Plant began reducing its operations for upgrades.
Inadequate Planning and Coordination
Tsouloftas explained that the current situation stems from insufficient planning and poor coordination among the relevant authorities. He described the existing arrangement, where the wastewater reception facility operates only two days a week, as untenable for a growing population.
Impact of the Strike
The issue escalated when wastewater tanker operators launched an indefinite strike, staging a protest outside the Presidential Palace. They demanded immediate action from the government to designate a lawful site for wastewater disposal. The operators highlighted that the reduced capacity at the Vati plant has resulted in extended waiting times for tanker lorries, causing overflows and significant challenges in servicing households, businesses, and hotels.
Continuing Industrial Action
During the protest, tanker operators made it clear that their industrial action would persist until a meaningful solution is reached. They expressed frustration over the lack of a backup facility, which is critical when the main treatment plant is undergoing maintenance or upgrades.
Defence from Local Authorities
The Limassol District Local Government Organisation (EOA Limassol) defended its management of the situation, explaining that increasing the amount of wastewater accepted from tanker operators indefinitely is not feasible. Their priority remains ensuring the safe operation of treatment facilities that serve the wider Limassol area.
Capacity Limitations and Risks
The EOA stated that previous incidents have highlighted the risks associated with overloading the treatment plant, which processes approximately 30,000 cubic metres of municipal wastewater daily. They further clarified that tanker-delivered wastewater often differs significantly from sewage entering through the sewerage network, as it may contain solid materials or toxic substances that can damage the plant’s equipment.
Need for Dedicated Facilities
A spokesperson for the EOA pointed out that tanker-delivered wastewater requires a specific acceptance procedure and pre-treatment process before it can enter the treatment system. They also emphasised that the long-term solution involves constructing dedicated storage facilities at the Vati plant, enabling wastewater to be received and treated gradually without disrupting normal operations.
Current Challenges during Upgrades
According to the Water Development Department, additional operational challenges have arisen due to unsuitable wastewater being identified at the facility during the upgrade process. The department anticipates that the Vati plant will resume full operational capacity by the end of the year.
Temporary Measures Implemented
Both the Water Development Department and the Department of Environment have attributed the ongoing problems to the temporary impact of the upgrade works at the Vati facility. They have introduced measures to assist wastewater transport operators, including the option to use treatment facilities at Moni and Vathia Gonia, while exploring additional disposal options.
Future Planning and Contract Details
The Vati Wastewater Treatment Plant plays a crucial role in handling domestic wastewater, industrial effluent, excess sludge, and landfill leachate. The ongoing upgrade is being executed under a contract awarded by the Water Development Department following a public tender, which was signed on February 4, 2026. The contract stipulates refurbishment during the first year, followed by five years of operation and maintenance, with an option for a one-year extension.
