Five Tanker Drivers Fined for Illegal Waste Dumping in Famagusta

Authorities in Famagusta have imposed fines on five sewage tanker drivers who were caught dumping untreated wastewater at the city landfill.

Each driver was fined 33,926 Turkish lira for their illegal actions.

"Public health is of utmost importance; we must ensure that people's health is not jeopardized," stated Harun Oza, head of the Famagusta municipal police.

Previously, there have been multiple incidents in Famagusta where tanker drivers were caught illegally dumping waste in unauthorized locations.

Additionally, officials from the Iskele municipality discovered two tankers, which were supposed to transport wastewater to Famagusta, illegally dumping waste on the roadside in the area.

Both tankers belonged to a local company, which has been fined a total of 204,420 Turkish lira.

Due to the rapid pace of construction in recent years, Iskele’s sewage system is currently unable to meet the needs of the growing population, making the use of vacuum tankers necessary.

Each trip by a vacuum tanker costs taxpayers between 2,000 and 3,500 Turkish lira, depending on the size of the tanker.

Municipal authorities are working on plans to upgrade Iskele’s sewage system to meet required standards and accommodate the expanding population. The total cost of the renovation is estimated to be around 25 million euros.