Concerns about even more expensive domestic Cypriot products and costs that will be passed on to consumers were expressed by MPs of the Parliamentary Environment Committee, which discussed the new regulations for the management of agricultural waste products.
In a statement after the Committee's conclusion, MP Rita Theodorou Superman stated that according to the preparatory work carried out by the Department of Environment for the recycling fee within the framework of producer responsibility, the cost will be passed on to the cost of the product and, by extension, to the consumer.
"This is a very serious issue, which needs immediate handling in the interests of both farmers and consumers, because in addition to the additional cost that the consumer will pay, Cypriot products will be put out of competition," he said.
He added that supporting farmers should be a priority in the entire discussion.
AKEL MP Nikos Kettiros said that they asked to know what the cost that will be borne by producers will be in order to calculate the cost that will be passed on to consumers, and the competent services were unable to answer. Nevertheless, he added, they are asking for the legislation to be passed within twelve months.
He asked for a specific calculation to be made to know the cost, while noting that most countries are taking measures to reduce the cost of domestic primary sector products.
"In this place, they are taking measures to increase the cost of domestic products in the primary sector," he said, adding that the state must find solutions so that domestic products are not more expensive than foreign products on the market.
Earthquake and tsunami preparedness topic
At the same time, Mr. Kettiros said that AKEL registered an issue with the Environment Committee regarding preparedness to deal with an earthquake or tsunami in Cyprus, especially after the concern that exists due to the intense seismic activity in the Cyclades.
"Unfortunately, the competent state agencies in recent days have been engaged in a hunt for who is or is not responsible, whether we are ready to deal with such a serious incident and whether the competent bodies and communities are informed and trained to deal with such incidents," he said.
He added that they want to know whether there is a civil protection strategy for such eventualities and whether the competent state services are ready.
He also said that the need to prepare or update the action plan, if there is one, should be examined and whether the Ministry of Education has arranged for drills to be held in schools or coastal communities in the event of a tsunami threat.
Source: KYPE
