Our peaceful rural communities here in the foothills of the Troodos mountains are under threat from a proposed government plan to construct a major, high-security prison nearby. This plan has stirred deep concerns among the local and wider community members, who value our way of life and the environment we live in.

The proposed location threatens not only the serenity and safety of our communities, but also poses significant risks to our surrounding activities, including our local industry, agriculture, and residential/village lifestyle, and which many local families rely on for their livelihoods.

Encourage our Government to Plan Better

Cyprus is not a large country. Our resources are very limited and sacred. We should be better protecting and nurturing our vital agricultural land areas and village lifestyles.

Statistics clearly show that prisons can negatively impact surrounding areas. The stigma associated with prisons can also lead to inhibited community development and discourage potential new residents and businesses from investing, or threaten those already here from remaining in the area.

Moreover, the construction and operation of a prison will bring significant ongoing issues to our local and nearby residents, such as from noise levels, traffic, pollution, whilst also creating a strain local resources and infrastructure, such as roads, water supply, and emergency services, that were never designed to support such a substantial increase in demand.

There is a much better alternative

An alternative location has been identified by the Government, which would have far less impact on any communities and agricultural land. This site is also more accessible for the resources that such a facility requires and is situated in an area where its presence would not disrupt the lives of families and communities. By considering this alternative, the Government can achieve its goals of building the new facility while being responsible stewards of the Cypriot environment and caretakers of the communities and people they represent.

Why is this proposal even on the table?

There is also strong evidence to suggest corruption at play, with the local mayor agreeing to this proposal due to vested interest, and without wider community support.

Our villages and farmers have lived in harmony with the land for generations

We believe that there are better solutions that respect the needs and health of our rural residents and the integrity of our farmlands. The Cypriot Government has an obligation to its people to make decisions that enhance, rather than diminish, the quality of life of its citizens. We urge the decision-makers to reassess their plans and choose the alternative location for the prison that is both more practical and considerate of human, community and environmental concerns.

Please show your support for our communities by signing this petition. Together, we can protect our communities, preserve our environment, industries and local traditions, and encourage responsible decision-making by our Government.