The European Commission has announced on Thursday the commencement of works to replace old asbestos pipes in the Nicosia sewer network dating from 1986. The works will be funded by the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot Community and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The works along 'Trunk E' of the system will take place in three sections, in the city of Nicosia, in the UN Buffer Zone, and at the eastern section extending to the Nicosia Wastewater Treatment Plant. The works will start in the section where 'Trunk E' is 846 meters long and includes part of the Mehmet Akif Avenue (Dereboyu) from the beginning of Kumsal Park to the end of the shopping street. The contract for the town section amounts to approximately 1 million euro. These works are scheduled to take place between 15 June and 15 September. Originally constructed in 1986 as a bicommunal initiative, the Nicosia Trunk E sewer was built with asbestos pipes. In 2000, a 2 km section of the sewer was replaced due to p ipe deterioration. Now, after over 30 years of service, the remaining original asbestos sections are in a critical condition, with portions of the network collapsing. While some emergency repairs have been undertaken, 4,200 meters of pipes need replacement to prevent potential hazards. 'These works are critical to safely bring wastewater generated by all the people of Nicosia to the bicommunal Nicosia Wastewater Treatment Plant, where it can be properly treated', Judit Rozsa, acting Director-General for Structural Reform Support at the European Commission since the departure of Mario Nava, said in a written statement. 'Both the sewerage network and the Wastewater Treatment Plant are evidence of a good partnership between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots for almost 40 years. The European Commission is pleased to support this joint effort, which facilitates the reunification of Cyprus' she added. "The replacement of the Nicosia Trunk E sewer network is a crucial infrastructure project for the whole of Nic osia benefiting both communities", said Jakhongir Khaydarov, head of UNDP Cyprus. 'It demonstrates our commitment to improving the well-being of the people of Nicosia and supports Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, aligning with the UN Charter,' he stressed. Source: Cyprus News Agency
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