The Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) has proposed two alternative routes for the installation of power cables to supply electricity to an area in Acheritou, House energy committee chairman Kyriakos Hadjiyiannis said on Monday.

Speaking after a visit by the committee to the community, Hadjiyiannis said the move aims to resolve a long-standing issue, as the Electricity Authority of Cyprus seeks to proceed with electrification plans that had previously been rejected by the Dhekelia British Sovereign Base Area authorities.

He explained that Acheritou is a large area neighbouring Engomi (Famagusta), located within the British base territory.

“Until now, the bases had refused to allow electrification of the area for agricultural purposes and for the needs of certain churches,” he said, adding that the main concern raised was the potential impact on electronic surveillance antenna installations in the area.

During the visit, the House energy committee held discussions with EAC representatives, in the presence of the Bases’ civil administrator and the Acheritou community leader.

The talks focused on alternative scenarios that would avoid the area where the British antenna installations are located.

According to Hadjiyiannis, two alternative routing options were put forward which, he said, leave no grounds for objections related to interference with surveillance systems.

He described the visit as “very useful”, noting the constructive participation of both the Electricity Authority representatives and the Bases’ administration.

The authority is now expected to proceed immediately with finalising the two proposed routes, which will be submitted to the British Bases for a response as soon as possible, he added.