The Nicosia EOA is set to manage the Kotsiatis biogas, a critical step in transforming the landfill’s waste into renewable energy. District governor Constantinos Yiorkadjis highlighted the achievements and ongoing initiatives of the new district self-government organisations (EOA) during his address on Tuesday, marking 18 months in office.
Kotsiatis biogas: Significant Progress and Future Goals
Despite facing initial challenges, the EOA has made notable strides in improving local governance across the Nicosia district. Yiorkadjis emphasised the importance of managing the Kotsiatis landfill, stating that converting biogas into green power would alleviate the burden on communities impacted by the landfill’s operations.
“By properly managing the biogas, this natural resource will stop being burned through a flare and burdening the area,” he noted, underscoring the potential environmental benefits of this initiative.
Infrastructure Development and Water Management
The Nicosia EOA has also been active in enhancing water supply systems within the district. With a water supply network extending 2,565 km—115 km longer than planned for 2024—over 170,000 water meters are now serviced. Efforts to conserve water include the implementation of smart systems aimed at increasing storage capacity.
In the past 18 months, the EOA has repaired 8,248 faults in the water supply network, showcasing a commitment to improving service reliability. Additionally, the Nicosia sewerage system, which spans 1,645 km, is set to undergo significant improvements with plans for 2026 already in place.
A forthcoming €85 million tender will address sewage works in areas such as north Nicosia-Dhali and Kato Pyrgos Tillyrias, further indicating the EOA’s proactive approach to infrastructure development.
Flood Prevention Initiatives
In a bid to mitigate flooding risks, the Nicosia EOA has taken over the management of rainwater drainage systems. Already, 15 km of drainage pipes have been cleaned, and numerous grids have been replaced. Yiorkadjis revealed that anti-flood works are also planned for 2026, focusing particularly on the covered Kotsirkas river located beneath Digenis Akritas avenue.
Waste Management and Environmental Sustainability
Yiorkadjis elaborated on the EOA’s initiatives toward solid waste management, noting the expansion of green points and collection infrastructure for material reuse. Currently, the district boasts eight green points, with three more under construction and two in the planning phase. These efforts are vital for promoting a circular economy and reducing the volume of waste sent for burial.
Safety and Regulatory Compliance
Addressing public safety concerns, the Nicosia EOA has established a department dedicated to managing dangerous buildings. This department will reexamine hundreds of cases and handle new ones, ensuring that public safety is prioritised.
On the financial front, Yiorkadjis explained that Cyprus is required to adopt the European Local Authority Charter, which aims to align economic resources with the duties of local authorities. He highlighted the necessity of budget approvals for 2026 and the creation of unified software for all EOAs to streamline operations.
Looking Ahead: Unified Legislation and Community Engagement
Yiorkadjis expressed the need for unified and simplified legislation that would facilitate planning and building processes across the district. The overarching goal of the Nicosia EOA remains clear: to enhance the quality of life for residents, foster district development, and provide reliable services while actively listening to community feedback.
As the management of the Kotsiatis biogas project begins, it stands as a testament to the EOA’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, signalling a promising future for the Nicosia district and its inhabitants.
