Limassol septic tank cleaners strike over waste disposal sites

Septic tank cleaners from the Limassol district have initiated an indefinite strike, citing a critical lack of designated areas for sewage disposal. Protesters gathered outside the Presidential Palace in Nicosia with approximately 10 to 12 tanker trucks to demand a permanent solution. Representatives of the protesters met with Deputy Government Spokesperson Yiannis Antoniou and spoke via telephone with Minister of Agriculture Maria Panayiotou to present their grievances. The strikers report needing to dispose of 3,500 cubic meters of waste weekly, while the Vati treatment facility, currently undergoing upgrades, can only process 1,400 cubic meters. Meanwhile, the Water Development Department and the Department of Environment maintain that the capacity issues are temporary and state they have implemented alternative arrangements, including partial redirection of waste to the Moni treatment facility. Protesters have also staged blockades on the Limassol-Nicosia highway between Linopetra and Germasogeia, causing significant traffic delays. The workers insist they will continue their strike until a legal and functional disposal site is provided.