Cyprus’s House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill Thursday to provide financial aid to communities near the Dhekelia power station, citing health and environmental concerns.
The legislation was introduced by MPs from AKEL and DISY and will offer support to the villages of Xylotymbou, Xylofagou, Ormideia, and Achna—similar to aid already granted to areas near the Vasilikos station.
The bill includes amendments based on stakeholder input, adding the AHK refugee settlement in Ormideia and designating Achna as a separate municipal unit.
Funding will be allocated through the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (AHK) as part of its annual budget, in line with fiscal responsibility laws. The aid program will run until Oct. 1, 2035.
AHK will establish criteria to determine the level of aid for each affected community, factoring in proximity to the station and pollution exposure.
During debate, MPs voiced concern over the station’s continued use of oil and its environmental impact.
AKEL’s Andreas Pasiourtides criticized the lack of modernization and called the aid a necessary but insufficient measure. DISY’s Prodromos Alambritis urged AHK to upgrade its facilities and reduce reliance on heavy fuel oil. Other lawmakers emphasized the need for health protections, environmental studies, and long-term solutions.
Several MPs condemned the station’s ongoing operation, describing it as a source of industrial degradation and environmental harm. DISY’s Kyriakos Hadjiyiannis and DIKO’s Christos Orphanides called for urgent modernization and transparency regarding future plans for the facility.