Mayor of the Nicosia Turkish Municipality, Mehmet Harmancı, has stressed that the project to utilize treated water from the Haspolat ( Mia Milia) Wastewater Treatment Plant should not be turned into a bargaining tool in broader political negotiations.
Harmancı made the remarks following a meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar yesterday, during which they exchanged views on several key issues under discussion between the island’s two communities, including new crossing points and the ongoing project to repurpose treated water from the bi-communal plant.
Expressing satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting, Harmancı noted that Tatar did not oppose the treated water project-contrary to what had been suggested in statements made by Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides following the leaders’ meeting on May 5.
Harmancı highlighted the environmental and financial importance of the project, which aims to make treated water available for agricultural use in both northern and southern Nicosia. He emphasized that such an initiative contributes not only to the economic sustainability of the plant but also to the joint effort to combat climate change.
According to Harmancı, funding for the project in the north is expected to come from the European Union’s Financial Aid Program for the Turkish Cypriot community, while Greek Cypriot authorities are still seeking financial support for the southern portion.
He underscored the significance of maintaining the bi-communal character of the Haspolat facility, stating that the new project would strengthen intercommunal cooperation.
“This is a vital resource for both communities,” said Harmancı. “It must be seen as a mutually beneficial project that builds trust—not as a negotiation tool for other issues.”
Focus on New Crossing Points
Addressing the broader political landscape, Harmancı reaffirmed his support for opening as many new crossing points as possible until a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem is reached.
He noted that he and Tatar both agreed on the priority of establishing a new vehicular crossing in Nicosia. However, he suggested that if no progress is achieved on proposals involving areas outside the capital, discussions should shift toward more feasible alternatives-specifically, the opening of a new pedestrian crossing in Surlariçi and a vehicular crossing in Haspolat or Kaymaklı, which have long been proposed by the Greek Cypriot side.
