Authorities in Limassol are facing an unprecedented case of illegal construction and are being called on to act immediately to prevent the situation becoming a fait accompli. Footage shows amateur fishermen illegally placing a large quantity of concrete on a beach in order to build themselves a boat launch ramp, entirely without permission. The incident was filmed and posted on social media by those involved, who described it as an initiative of Sisseal, the Limassol Association of Amateur Fishing Boat Owners.
The unauthorised work took place on the beach in the Tsiflikoudia area, west of the boatyard and near the new port, below the SODAP building. There, amateur fishermen decided on their own to build a boat ramp. On Wednesday evening, an excavator cleared the area of vegetation and stones, after which a concrete mixer truck arrived and began pouring cement directly onto the beach, a breath away from where the waves break. According to the video posted by those involved, further work is planned to reinforce the construction, including the installation of heavy-duty grates followed by another layer of concrete to prevent it breaking apart. So far, three cubic metres of concrete have been poured.
Politis has learned that the case has already been reported to police by the Limassol District Administration, following an inspection carried out by the Beach Inspector. Removing the illegal structure will require coordination between the relevant authorities, namely the Cyprus Tourism Organisation and the District Administration. Police are investigating the case and are also monitoring for any further unauthorised work.
It is worth noting that amateur fishermen have had strong complaints in recent years over the lack of ramps for launching their boats. A boat launch ramp is currently under construction by Limassol Municipality at the eastern end of Akti Olympion, due to be completed in the coming days. However, no permission or approval has been granted for the construction of a new ramp at any other location.
