20.10.2023
The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, announced on Thursday evening projects in the Famagusta area , aimed at developing the region, worth millions of euros.
Speaking at a meeting of the region’s municipalities and communities in Ayia Napa , he also said that ministers are ready to listen and take any possible action to achieve development in the region.
He added: “Our goal is to improve the lives of the people of the region and help take full advantage of the comparative advantages that the region has.” He stressed that it is a fact that “the Famagusta area is underserved in terms of the support it has received from the state, especially compared to other areas of Cyprus.”
President Christodoulides stated that “even though 85% of the Famagusta area remains under occupation since the Turkish invasion in 1974, the area has not only survived, but has developed to the extent that it makes a significant contribution to the country’s economy and the tourism product of Cyprus. It accounts for more than 30% of tourist arrivals in our country.”
President Christodoulides described the Paralimni Marina as an “important project” with port works expected to be completed in February 2024 and land works in summer 2024. He also said that “the construction of the new Paralimni Gymnasium is planned to begin by 2025, and the development of the Children’s Club continues.”
In addition, he continued, “there are projects with a total budget of about 20 million euros that have already received funding under the Thalia program 2021–2027 and can begin immediately after the completion of the processes.”
These projects, he explained, involve the reconstruction of the center of Paralimni , the creation of a Cultural Hall in Dherynia , the creation of a Multifunctional Park in Ayia Napa , a Linear Park in Acheritou , the construction of a new amphitheater in Avgorou , reconstruction and outdoor sports facilities in the municipality of Sotira , the construction of a public a sports ground in the community of Achna and the construction of a local network of bypass roads in the Caminudia area in the municipality of Sotira .
President Christodoulides stated that he had already given instructions to begin the construction of an indoor swimming pool in Dherynia , the modernization of the town center in Frenaros and the maintenance of a sports center in Paralimni .
At the same time, he addressed the issue of road safety for both locals and visitors to the region, saying it requires a comprehensive plan as it is an important aspect since many accidents in the region are related to road construction.
According to him, projects to improve the road network are being implemented “with a budget of about 30 million euros, which is expected to improve safety in the area.”
In addition, he mentioned the modernization of a 1.5 kilometer section of the old Larnaca-Famagusta road , a project that started in May 2023 and has a budget of 1.123 million euros.
