Mosquito problem assessment and action plan

A meeting on the mosquito problem encountered in western Limassol was convened by the Mayor of Limassol on 4 March 2019. The meeting was attended by representatives of the affected communities, the British Bases, the Health Services of the Ministry and the Limassol Municipality, the District Officer, the Department of Environment, the Department of Agriculture, Public Works, the Department of Forests and other government agencies.

During the meeting, a detailed exchange of views has been held in anticipation of the exacerbation of the problem in the areas around the Akrotiri salt lake due to heavy rainfall.

As the Steering Committee was informed during the meeting, a Mosquito Control Unit was set up, consisting of representatives of the Health Services, the British Bases, the Municipality and other relevant Services and Departments. This Unit holds a meeting on a monthly basis and monitors the problem of mosquitoes all year round.

The aim of the Unit is to carry out and implement the agreed Action Plan to fight the proliferation of mosquitoes in western parts of the town.

Within the framework of the implementation of Action Plan 2018-19, the following have been or will be carried out:

•        Gradual improvement of access to inaccessible marsh areas, thus widening the possibility of controlling mosquitoes at larval stage with the use of non-toxic products (Bti)

•        Purchase of more efficient machinery by the British Bases Service and recruitment of a greater number of seasonal workers to intensify larval spraying performed by permanent staff all year round.

•        The Health Services of the Ministry and of the Limassol Municipality will continue spraying for mosquito larvae, as well as informing the public about measures to combat possible hatching outbreaks and protect themselves.

•        Additionally, at the expense of the British Bases and with the technical support of the District Administration and the Department of Forests, waste that was discharged illegally by insensitive fellow citizens was disposed of. This process will continue in the upcoming months with the organization of cleaning campaigns by volunteers.

•        Finally, special traps (Mosquito Magnets), expected to capture adult mosquitoes, will be set up.

During the meeting, the Presidents of the Communities in the region spoke strongly in favour of capturing adult have mosquitoes that discomfort and affect the inhabitants to a great extent. The Mosquito Control Unit undertook to discuss this issue with experts in order to determine the efficacy and action of insecticides to be used for larval spraying, thereby safeguarding the environment and Public Health.