High on the Government's priorities is the implementation of projects that give life to areas remote from urban centres and improve the quality of life of residents, said the President of the Cyprus Ports Authority, Mr. Antonis Stylianou, at the 7th Fish Festival organized today by the Municipality of Chrysochous at the Port of Latsiou.
As stated in the greeting of the Minister of Transport, at the heart of the President's announcements is the investment in the development of coastal areas, in the context of the broader policy to improve infrastructure and promote development projects to facilitate and serve the citizens.
As stated in the greeting of the Minister of Transport, at the heart of the President's announcements is the investment in the development of coastal areas, in the context of the broader policy to improve infrastructure and promote development projects to facilitate and serve the citizens. To achieve this goal, as the most developmental Ministry, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works manages projects, nationwide, with a total budget of more than €1.2 billion. Projects of great importance, Mr. Karousos stressed, which, despite the difficult circumstances caused by the pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, were not postponed and are being implemented for the benefit of society.
One of them is the Pafos-Poleos Chrysochous road, a major development project promoted by the Government, which for decades has been a fair demand of the local community and its completion is expected to solve years of serious road safety problems and give a new character to the region. It is an acknowledged fact that the lack of a road network has been a deterrent to the upgrading of the Polos Chrysochous district and has been an obstacle to investment interest, hampering the development of the area, it is noted. According to the Transport Minister, the project has a total length of about 31 km and will be implemented in two phases, with work on the first phase starting next July with a budget of €86.8 million.
Another important project being promoted in the region is the expansion of the port at Latchi, a popular quality tourism destination in our country that attracts local and foreign visitors. The decision to expand the Port is aimed at creating infrastructure for new boat berths, with multiple benefits for tourism and the economy of the region. The decision is in the process of being implemented by conducting the necessary study to conduct tenders for construction. The cost for the project is estimated at €45 million and will include the marine works, new berths and breakwaters.
Indicatively, other projects implemented or in progress, at the request of the Municipality of Polis Chrysochous, are: The works have been completed, at a cost of €59,143 and the station is expected to be delivered and operational very soon. [*]The construction of pavements in the Municipality of Golden City, landscaping on the road next to the warehouses in Latchi and a raised pedestrian crossing, at a cost of €155,000. [*]The construction of a cycle-pedestrian path in the Polis Chrysochous-Latsiou area, at a cost of €1,17 million. [*]The grant of €71,000 for the construction of sea erosion protection on the coastal footpath in Latchi. [*]The grant of €40,000 from savings for road maintenance. [/LIST]
In addition to the infrastructure works, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works in cooperation with the Municipality of Polos Chrysochous is implementing the project for the protection and enhancement of archaeological sites in the Municipality. The completion of the project is expected to highlight the archaeological sites in the area and facilitate public access to them, bringing multiple benefits for the economic, tourist and cultural development of the area. So far, €700,000 has been approved for the project by decisions of the Council of Ministers, which will be allocated gradually depending on the progress of the works.
As the Minister explained in his welcome address, with the completion of the road and the interconnection of the area with Paphos, as well as with the development of other development projects in the area, not only will the residents of Polos Chrysochous and the neighbouring communities be served more easily, but also the economic and tourist development of the entire region will be given a new impetus.
Finally, in view of the start of the tourist season, the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works conveyed in his address the estimate that this year's passenger traffic will be increased by 50% compared to 2021. Speaking specifically about Pafos Airport, Mr. Karousos expressed confidence that tourism activity in Pafos District will recover significantly after two difficult years, as Pafos Airport is connected this summer with 59 destinations in 21 countries with flights operated by 15 airlines and will gradually exceed 250 per week. Also significant, the Minister said, is the introduction of the Paphos-Athens route throughout the year, which meets the demand of the local community of the Paphos District.
(MKY)
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