Foul-smelling container removed from open-air market

What cannot (now) be seen in the photo is the foul-smelling container used by the market vendors for organic rubbish. Deputy Mayor for Cleansing Yiannis Seremetis told Enimerosi that, despite being asked not to, several vendors had continued to throw waste from fish and vegetables there.

As a result - which everyone, including tourists, could testify to - gas masks were required whenever passing by, especially in the heat. A completely undesirable situation in a tourist area - or any other residential area.

Efforts were made in the past to make the situation more bearable by washing the container but to no avail. So the Cleansing Service decided to remove the container, at least during the hot weather.

"The actions of some vendors left us with no choice," said the Deputy Mayor. "There are companies which collect organic waste, but at a cost to the vendors. If necessary, two or three vendors could come together to share the cost."

When asked why the Municipality doesn't provide this service, Mr. Semetis said that an organic waste network is being planned with the acquisition of 'brown' refuse trucks. This is, in any case, required by European legislation and so it is expected that it will be implemented within the next year.

Two underground bins and two green bins now remain at the spot - if what was happening before continues, then it is certain that the dreadful stench will remain in the area.