FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – Lady’s Mile Beach is expected to reopen soon after British Bases officials advised the public to avoid the area due to unsafe levels of enterococci bacteria in the water, Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanoli said Sunday.
“Our goal is to return Lady’s Mile Beach to the public within a few hours,” Hadjimanoli told reporters.
British Bases authorities issued a statement Saturday saying high levels of enterococci were detected in the waters of Lady’s Mile. Officials urged the public to avoid swimming in the area while environmental experts from the bases and the Cyprus government investigate the source of contamination. Further test results are expected early next week.
Asked about the situation while attending an event in Nicosia, Hadjimanoli said she had been in contact with relevant authorities.
“We have been monitoring the situation closely since the beginning,” she said. “Our goal is to return the beach to the public, clean and safe, so that people can continue to enjoy one of the most valuable assets of our island nation.”
Hadjimanoli downplayed concerns that the contamination could spread, saying officials have been working with British Bases authorities since the initial alert.
“We believe that within a few hours, we will be able to return the beach to the public,” she said.
When asked if restaurants in the area could be responsible for the contamination, Hadjimanoli said inspections are regularly conducted at all establishments, particularly during peak tourist season.
She urged the public “not to worry” and assured that officials would announce the source of contamination once it is identified.
Responding to a question about whether the contamination was caused by sewage, Hadjimanoli said, “At this stage, we cannot say it is from sewage. The priority is to restore clean waters to the public.”
She added that authorities regularly inspect the waters and beaches across Limassol.
“We want to be sure that monitoring is carried out properly,” Hadjimanoli said. “From our side, we ensure that ships navigating our waters do not pollute, but it is equally important to prevent pollution from land sources.”