A dispute over a reported scandal at the Pentakomo waste management facility has emerged as EU Commissioner nominee Costas Kadis faces scrutiny over his handling of the issue during his tenure as Environment Minister.
The controversy, initially reported by Politico, centres on the Pentakomo Waste Management Unit, which has allegedly underperformed since its 2017 opening, leading to outdoor waste accumulation and environmental concerns.
Documents reveal that Kadis, who assumed the environment portfolio in March 2018, initiated an investigation into the facility in November 2019 through a proposal to the Council of Ministers. An independent committee, including two technical experts from the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK), was appointed to conduct the probe.
The investigation faced multiple setbacks, including COVID-19 lockdowns, health incidents affecting committee members, and one member’s death. These delays necessitated three extensions for the final report’s submission.
The approximately 200-page report, delivered to Kadis on 7 February 2023, recommended further investigation by “more competent bodies” rather than immediate disciplinary action. Following instructions from Kadis, the report was ultimately forwarded to the Law Office in November 2023 by his successor, Petros Xenophontos.
The investigation concluded that the contractor failed to account for Cyprus’s high waste moisture content, affecting the facility’s ability to produce quality secondary fuel. The government has since terminated the contract, with the Water Development Department assuming management in December 2023.
Official sources indicate that Kadis maintained regular contact with both the Law Office and the Audit Office throughout the process to manage the situation.
The matter is currently subject to legal proceedings between the Republic of Cyprus and the contractor.
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