People of Lefke TRNC do not want their town to become a "Corporate Hell", Cries Out!

Lefke Region Civil Society Organisations Coordinatorship (STÖK) blamed the Ministry of Environment and Resources for being on the side of the companies who want to operate mine in Lefke instead of siding with the people of Lefke who are opposing to the mines to be operated.

In their statement issued June 10th, STÖK reiterated their stance on the issue and said that they would not allow mines to operate in Lefke. People of Lefke region who is still suffering from the pollution caused by from Cyprus Mines Cooperation [CMC] with record number of cancer cases observed monthly, are concerned with the latest developments. In the last couple of year CSOs active in Lefke have been waiting for their town to be listed as a ‘cittaslow’ town.

“Instead of turning this green town into an industrial zone, its natural and historical beauties should be preserved and ecotourism should be promoted” Timuçin Tomak, a 25 years old resident who opposes the mines in Lefke.

Last week the Ministry announced that they were going to hold a meeting with the CSOs in the “good governance law” where the residents opinions on the mines would be taken into consideration. Speaking to Kıbrıs Postası on the issue, Cemal Dağtaş, 69 years old resident from Lefke, said that the authorities’ promises were just a make-up on the dreadful plan for his town.

“I am afraid all the promises made, regarding listening our view were just empty promises as it seems they will not care about what the majority of our residents think. We have suffered from the consequences of industrialization, we have lost loved ones to cancer because of CMC wastes. We definitely don’t want mines in our town” said Dağtaş.

Another resident who wished to remain unnamed said "We dont want our 'heaven' to turn into a corporate hell".

The meeting which was scheduled to take place on 9th June was cancelled by the ministry. In the eyes of Lefke people this move is just another indicator of whose side the Minister was.

Credit: KP Daily News