I am really happy to be here today together with all of you representatives of the Local Government, and not only, to celebrate the inauguration of an important project, this "Reshaping of Apostolos Loukas Square, Parking Spaces and Redevelopment of part of the road network in Aradippou".
The redevelopment of core urban tissues creates new conditions for the everyday life of citizens, hence the importance of this project for the citizens and visitors of Aradippou. The square area creates new conditions for development, upgrading the quality of life of citizens, sustainable urban mobility and green development, while the extension and redevelopment in the core of Aradippou has also upgraded the area around the church.
The project also included the construction of a parking area, necessary for the functionality of the project, while the last part of the road network around the square, which is part of this project, is expected to be completed soon, as well as the undergrounding of the utility services.
The studies were prepared and coordinated by the Technical Service of Aradippou Municipality, while the construction tender documents were completed in cooperation with the Department of Urban Planning and Zoning of the Ministry of Interior. The construction works started on 7 July 2021 and will be completed around July 2023. The area of the project is approximately 4,300 sqm, of which 1050 sqm is the square area. The amount of the contract is €1,607,980 incl. VAT. The redevelopment of the square and the surrounding streets, ladies and gentlemen, finally puts an end to the disorderly use of the area, as the new uses assigned to it are now organized and defined.
The architectural approach of the redevelopment was based on modern concepts, always respecting the traditional architecture of the existing buildings.
The architectural approach of the redevelopment was based on modern concepts, always respecting the traditional architecture of the existing buildings. All materials used for the construction of the project are of Cypriot origin, environmentally friendly with high standards and craftsmanship. Modern urban equipment was used, seating areas were created, new energy-saving lighting fixtures were installed, trees of Cypriot flora were planted and all utility services were modernised. Such are the interventions and additions of the project that make the area of excellent aesthetics, giving it added value.
Dear all,
The upgrading of the Municipality's centre is now a fact. I am sure that with the completion of the project, your municipality will change its appearance. And it is with such projects and similar interventions that in the last ten years the Government has achieved a total reversal of the poorly built urban environment in many parts of our country. Targeted projects, part of a holistic planning of the Ministry of Interior, that have succeeded in revitalizing degraded urban, peri-urban and rural areas.
Currently, the three-year development program of the Ministry of Interior 2021-2023, included and includes projects of such importance, which are either already being implemented or are being promoted throughout the country, with a total expenditure of more than €785 million. Our aim is, of course, to contribute to the development and regeneration of urban and rural areas, as well as the promotion and protection of natural and cultural heritage.
Taking this opportunity, allow me to refer specifically to the dozens of urban planning projects included in our plans for implementation within the last five years (2018-2023), which reflect the development action of our Ministry.
An important pillar of these projects are the redevelopment/remodelling projects, which amount to 50, with a total budget of more than €125 million.A total of 32 projects, 27 of which are included in the programme of President Anastasiades' administration, have been completed, are being implemented or will be launched immediately at a total cost of €98.5 million.In particular, eight projects have been completed at a total cost of €17.5 million, Another nine projects worth €37.5 million are under construction, while in 2023 work will start on another 15 projects at a total cost of €43.5 million.
In addition, ten road projects included in the President's announcements have been completed, another ten projects are now under construction, while an additional 13 projects have been launched, all of which amount to a total budget of €187.9 million.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We have consistently moved from words to deeds. With the implementation of all these projects, but also through the reforms and policies we have implemented as a Ministry, one can see - now with indicators and figures - that we have managed in practice to strengthen local communities in the direction of development and prosperity, giving prospects for even more multiplier benefits.
In conclusion, dear ones, I could not fail to mention the reform of local government, from which citizens will begin to reap the benefits, in a context of more developed and higher quality local communities.
We are already in the era of transition to the new local government era, which is changing the map of Local Government in Cyprus.
With the next local elections of May 2024 in the horizon, Aradippou is growing and increasing in population as it merges with the neighbouring communities of Kellion and Trullo. This will provide the momentum needed to be able to provide the citizens of the new entity with improved, higher quality and upgraded services at the lowest possible cost.
With increased responsibilities on a number of issues, with more administrative and financial autonomy, with enhanced internal control and transparency mechanisms to fight corruption, but also with greater citizen participation in decision making, we will finally have stronger municipalities and clusters of communities closer to the citizens. Your determination is the most important factor for the prosperity of the local community.
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Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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