Illegal dumping of rubble on Turkish Cypriot land in Mouttagiaka

Authorities are investigating persistent illegal dumping of soil and construction waste on a plot of Turkish Cypriot land in Mouttagiaka. The issue was discussed by the parliamentary Refugees Committee on February 10, following an inquiry submitted by the committee chairman on August 5, 2025, and a subsequent response from Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou on April 20. Reports indicate that transport operators profit by charging clients for disposal at licensed sites while illegally dumping materials on the plot, which is leased solely for agricultural use. Environment Department inspectors recorded multiple violations of waste management legislation between 2024 and 2026. While officials claim the landscape has been significantly altered, some reports suggest a lack of decisive state action due to alleged threats against personnel. The Environment Department notified the Turkish Cypriot Properties Management Service and the Limassol District Local Government Organisation (DLGO) about the breaches. A meeting between the Environment Department and the Limassol DLGO was held on January 8, 2026, to discuss the ongoing illegal activity.