It is with great pleasure that I address the 29th Annual General Assembly of the Cyprus Civil Engineers Association, which is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Interior
The work of the Cyprus Civil Engineers Association is a practical example of how an institution can be effective by operating collectively rather than individually. The State cannot but continue to show undiminished confidence in the Association, as its actions and aspirations reflect the work and objectives of the Government itself to improve the business and economic environment, as well as the creation of jobs in the construction industry.
Dear Friends,
The unprecedented health crisis of the last two years has revealed the weaknesses and shortcomings of countries around the world and the need to create more resilient development models and diversify priorities is now imperative.
Listening to these needs, the Ministry of Home Affairs has been decisive in redesigning and modernising the government's policy approach to facilitate and spur developments.
New Permitting Policy
The New Planning and Building Permitting Policy is a major reform step. The modernised, faster and more transparent process, which came into force in October 2020, is only the beginning of the simplification of the licensing mechanism. The electronic tool provided by the Ministry is so far applicable to simple developments in residential zones, but within the current year, the scope will be significantly expanded to cover larger and more complex developments in order to enhance the activities of the construction sector.
In addition to the 2.500 new permits have already been issued using the new process, and from next June, expedited permitting will be carried out for larger and more complex developments.
The New Permitting Policy will be completed with the passing of the Bill on the Facilitation of Strategic Developments, which has been submitted to the Interior Committee of the House of Representatives with the expectation that it will soon become a State Law. The aim of the Bill is for large investments, costing more than 25 million euros, to secure all required permits within 12 months.
Urban Incentive Plans
At the same time, equally important is the updating and extension of the Urban Incentive Plans until the end of 2022. The Ministry of Interior has evaluated the results of these Plans, which were first implemented in 2013, and has assessed the results as positive, which is why it has continued to provide them since then.
Citizens and investors are showing great interest in their use, which has contributed both to the State's efforts to issue property titles and to the strengthening of various development activities in sectors such as the tourism industry and construction, especially in the difficult conditions of the pandemic. The appropriations to be channelled in 2022, in terms of housing policy funds for the countryside, have tripled compared to 2021. The objectives of the National Strategy for Development of Mountain Communities are being implemented and the number of applicants has already exceeded expectations. This is set to be further enhanced through the expansion of eligible areas and even more attractive incentives that will be announced the day after Monday at the launch of the new housing policy.
At the same time, the state in its effort to provide affordable housing to every citizen, and especially to young couples, has decided to fund the affordable housing and affordable rent schemes through the revenues to be received from the forthcoming operation of the casino, with 15% of the net revenues to be allocated to the Cyprus Land Development Agency to support the housing schemes.
In total, spending on housing projects currently stands at €125 million for 2022, a 25% increase on 2021 and double the spending in 2018.
Urban Redevelopment
At the same time, the Ministry of Interior supports the need for a compact development of urban areas, which we believe can be achieved through the implementation of Urban Redevelopment, an issue that is also being studied by the Ministry of Interior. It is essential that existing residential areas are rationally utilised, their expansion is limited and idle land is utilised in order to reduce interference with the natural environment and ensure its protection.
Development Plans
The Development Plans in their forthcoming, modernised revision will also be directed in this direction. Their amendment is aimed at creating modern spatial and urban planning, both in cities and in the countryside, as well as at regulating the development of the Cypriot territory.
Within the framework of the review process, problems observed in land development issues are identified, new social and economic conditions are taken into account and new suggestions are proposed. The aim is for urban and spatial planning to create an urban model that can cope with adverse changes and threats through its adaptability and resilience.
It should be noted that, within this framework, the process of reviewing the Local Plans of the four major cities takes into account the suggestions and opinions of the stakeholders, but also allows any organised group or citizen to submit suggestions through the public consultation process, on issues related to the study areas.
Planning Projects
Ladies and Gentlemen,
A large part of the mission and vision of the Ministry of Interior is being implemented by the Department of Planning and Zoning, through the promotion of a number of Planning Projects.
Improving the quality of life of citizens, revitalizing areas in the urban centre and the countryside, improving mobility and road safety are the axes around which our Urban Planning Projects revolve. Within the framework of the Development Plans, we implement the regeneration of historic cores, the shaping of squares and socialisation areas, the shaping of coastal fronts and the shaping of linear parks inside and outside the urban fabric. Among the projects that have been rolled out, the construction of the buildings of the three Ministries of Interior, Transport and Justice on the site of the Arch Secretariat stands out, as well as the ambitious project of revitalizing the walled city of Nicosia with the transfer of the School of Architecture of the University of Cyprus and the granting of generous incentives for the development of student residences and more.
Housing of the displaced
Dear all, I could not fail to mention the long-standing support that the State offers to our displaced. The Ministry of Interior, through the Department of Urban Planning and Housing, has, over the years, assumed responsibility for the implementation of the Government's policy on housing for displaced persons, through three ongoing programmes
The first concerns the reconstruction, repair and radical improvement of buildings in the Government Settlements, where projects worth 140 million euros have been implemented so far, while projects worth 13 million euros are currently underway.
The second concerns the reconstruction, repair and radical improvement of buildings in the Government Settlements, where projects worth 140 million euros have been implemented so far, while projects worth 13 million euros are currently underway.
The second concerns the reconstruction, repair and radical improvement of buildings in the Government Settlements, where projects worth 140 million euros have been implemented so far, while projects worth 13 million euros are currently underway.
The second project concerns the "Assessment of the structural adequacy of the existing apartment buildings in the Governmental Settlements throughout the country", in order to find a solution for a holistic and radical approach to the issue of building statics.
Through the third programme concerning the "Addition of lifts to existing blocks of flats", lifts have so far been installed in 115 blocks of flats out of a total of 368, with a further 60 cases in the implementation or design preparation stage. In the Medium Term Financial Framework 2022-2024, an additional budget is included for the completion of these projects.
Dear friends,
In conclusion, I would like to address all of you who, with your expertise, actively contribute to the development course of the State and urge you to continue to pursue the optimal upgrading of the built and natural environment. Now more than ever, there is a need to promote green development and to redefine the priorities of society itself.
In conclusion, I would like to express my thanks to the President of the Association of Civil Engineers, Mr. Andreas Theodotou, for this honorary invitation, to wish the work of the General Assembly a good continuation and to wish your Association to continue its constructive and productive work.
(NG/EFys)
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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