Skip Carriers Demand Professional Recognition

The Pancyprian Association of Licensed Skip Carriers protested outside the Presidential Palace, demanding professional recognition. Association members also denounced the closure of a C&D waste recycling unit and attempts to create a monopoly.

The Association's President, Panikos Drousiotis, emphasized the need for professional recognition, as "anyone can get a license and collect anything." He also expressed concerns about a potential monopoly, which would lead to price increases.

The Association submitted a memorandum to the President of the Republic and a meeting was scheduled with the Director of the Department of Environment, Theodoulos Mesimeris. Mr. Drousiotis stated that despite previous meetings with the authorities, there had been no result.

Furthermore, the Association requests that licenses be revoked from those who illegally dump waste. Asked about possible tougher measures, Mr. Drousiotis said that it was decided to give the government leeway due to the fire in the Limassol district.

In the memorandum, the Association expresses its opposition to the closure of the recycling unit, arguing that it deprives them of the right to free competition and will lead to price increases. They also demand that efforts to create a monopoly be stopped and that applicants for skip carrier licenses be subject to association membership.