Residents from the villages of Şirinevler, Akçiçek, Alemdağ, and Kozanköy protested against the stone quarry operators in the Akçiçek region.
During the demonstration, which blocked traffic on Dağaşan Avenue and its connecting roads, villagers demanded the closure of the quarries. They called on authorities, warning that they would continue their protests if no action was taken.
The protest, organised by the village administrations of Şirinevler, Akçiçek, Alemdağ, and Kozanköy, was attended by Dikmen Mayor Yüksel Çelebi and Lapta-Alsancak-Çamlıbel Mayor Fırat Ataser.
In his speech during the protest, Şirinevler Muhtar Serkan Pilli highlighted the adverse effects of dust from the quarries on the four villages. He noted that the quarries operate day and night, with approximately 300 trucks passing daily on the Şirinevler-Kozanköy road. Pilli expressed that the villagers are suffering significant issues due to the dust, even affecting their ability to hang laundry outside. He asserted, “We are going to get cancer soon,” and pointed out that blasts have caused cracks in their homes. Pilli insisted that authorities are not taking their situation seriously, stating, “Our houses are collapsing, our crops and trees are buried in dust… We want the quarries to be closed.”
Dikmen Mayor Yüksel Çelebi remarked that this ongoing issue has been escalating for a quarter of a century, emphasising that the previous calls from village heads and the municipality have been ignored, making the protest inevitable. He noted that the blasts are conducted haphazardly, causing environmental destruction. Expressing a lack of respect for people, the environment, and wildlife, Çelebi warned that if today’s protest goes unanswered, they would escalate their actions.
Lapta-Alsancak-Çamlıbel Mayor Fırat Ataser also acknowledged the significant impact on human life, insisting that the blasting must be controlled. He proposed regulating the quarry operating hours and forbidding any company from working on Sundays, as well as implementing weight checks to monitor heavy vehicles. Ataser pointed out that Kozanköy road is in poor condition due to these heavy trucks, stating, “If there is a will, a solution can be found.” He highlighted the necessity for sensitivity in such matters and requested the asphalting of Kozanköy and Çamlıbel roadways.
Additionally, Mahmut Dağaştı, Director of Aşan Group, which operates stone quarries in the region, participated in the protest to voice his thoughts. He noted that the quarry has been in continuous operation for 23 years and mentioned that there are three licensed operations in the area. Dağaştı remarked that the blasts are conducted under the supervision of the Geology and Mining Department and the police, pointing out that the real problem lies in the unpaved nature of the road used by work vehicles.
Category : Cyprus
(voicecyprusnews)
