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It is with great pleasure that I visit Tochni. Not by chance, as this is the first visit by a President of the Republic since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960.
I am here to honour the work that both you and the communities of the region have done, having responded to quite difficult circumstances, having to face many challenges on a daily basis. And we have a responsibility as a State, both in practice and in substance, to support all your efforts.
This development work is now a benchmark for the community, something that you should be proud of, and not only for the community, but also for the wider region, all the communities of Vasilikos, and Cyprus in general. The project is a testament to the result of the close and harmonious cooperation of all stakeholders, the local government, public and private entities, and a testament to what we can achieve when there is this cooperation between us. It is something that highlights even more the cultural, tourist, folklore and environmental life in the region.
As a Government we attach particular importance, not in words but in deeds, to the need to create the necessary infrastructure in our communities, so that we can increase the populations in Tochni, Zygi and Mari. This is the key issue. That must be our main objective. Not only because we are upgrading their quality of life, but also because in this way we are addressing a huge problem that exists in Cyprus, the number one problem of our youth, which is housing. See the prices in the cities. So, what do we need to bring to our communities? More young couples and we need to create the infrastructure so that families can live in the communities.
When I arrived here, three students came and asked me to change the tartan on the school field. By September, what the babies asked me for will be ready.
For all the things that the community leader mentioned - I hope they are mature projects - in order of priority, they are all important. To succeed in getting people to come to the area, for me [IMPORTANT] are the Senior Center and the Nursery. Today I am announcing that we will support these as the first projects in the area.
From today, Tochni becomes an even more idyllic place for local and foreign tourists to visit. It is important that nationwide there are the leaders in agrotourism with more than 100 units operating in Tochni. Our responsibility is how to further enhance the tourism product of the communities, but also how we can further enhance other sectors of the community.
The project we are inaugurating today also comes to enhance the religious richness of Tochni. It is well known that the history of Tochni and the region in general is identified with the descent of Saint Helen to Cyprus and the coming of the Holy Cross. It is a place blessed by God and endowed by its nature and folklore. Allow me to take this opportunity to welcome the efforts made by the Metropolis of Trimithus for the preservation and restoration of the twin Church of the Holy Cross above the Byzantine bridge, the oldest place of preservation of the part of the Holy Cross from St. Helen, as well as for the construction of a Byzantine Museum. They also accept in Lefkara this record.
For these projects I have been personally informed and we are in communication and coordination with the Ministry of Culture for the progress of their implementation. All the projects together highlight Tochni even more.
I want to thank the President of the Community who is a model Community Council President, a model financial manager and a model politician.
On behalf of the state we offer the community 25 thousand euros.
(RM/GC/EP)
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