Pollution in TRNC ‘is a threat to human health’
POLLUTION in the TRNC is “threatening human health” the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Electrical Engineers (KTEMO) said in a statement to mark June 5 World Environment Day.
“The inability to carry out effective and continuous public inspections and environmental inspections, especially during the pandemic, has fuelled existing problems and brought new issues along with it,” the statement warned.
Wastewater pollution, the inability to manage water resources, the uncontrolled disposal of solid waste, air pollution created by power plants, waste from the CMC mine, sea pollution and unplanned urban development are “just some of the environmental problems” encountered in North Cyprus, the KTEMO claimed.
The lack of an “effective and sustainable environmental policy” is the main cause of environmental problems, they said.
“For this reason, many political policies are implemented by ignoring the environment. The main goal of a sustainable environment for sustainable development is disregarded.
“We are forced to deal with environmental problems that threaten our health during these days when we need our health the most.
“The pollution caused when sewage water collected from septic tanks and suction wells is discharged into landfills, stream beds and even our wetlands threatens our health and continues to pollute our natural resources, such as our seas and groundwater.
“Despite all the warnings, both the public not being informed as to the extent of pollution occurring in our seas and the delay in microbiological seawater analyses endangers public health.
“Solid waste still cannot be collected and disposed of in an ideal way by our local governments.
“Moreover, air pollution occurs as a result of fires that break out from time to time [and] cause irreversible damage to our health.
“The situation is no different in our power plants. These power plants have been polluting our air for years while our increased desire for permanent solutions continues.
“Just like air and water, our land is also a natural environment which continues to be polluted day by day.
“Our soil . . . continues to be polluted every day.
“Our country is heading towards deforestation every day. In addition many environmental crimes are committed but unfortunately most of these crimes go unpunished.”
Solving the environmental problems listed can only occur through the “joint efforts of the people and the leaders” the KTEMO stressed.
“An effective policy will be possible by enacting environmental laws and regulations, incorporating a system that will execute, implement and supervise the law into the mechanisms of all institutions, deterrent penalties and a ‘polluter pays’ principle’, work to increase environmental awareness and everyone living on this island embracing the environment.
“It should not be forgotten that an environmental policy carried out under the leadership of a strong political will, will bring about an improved environment and thereby increase our level of well being.”
The message emphasised that living in a good-quality and clean environment is a “constitutional right”.