It is a great pleasure to be in the Limnati Community and to put under my auspices the 16th Flowering Almond Festival, which is organized by the Kouris Valley and Xylourikou Community cluster.
Such events in the countryside are of particular importance and value. On the one hand, they highlight the authentic elements that enliven the identity of our country's tradition. On the other hand, they strengthen the local community, the visitation and activity of our countryside.
It is an event which, on the one hand, is a gathering of the inhabitants of the surrounding area and, on the other hand, rewards the efforts and care of the farmers who cultivate the special tree of the region, which for the ancient Greeks symbolized the prelude before the coming of spring, hope and the rebirth of nature.
It is an event which, on the one hand, is a gathering of the inhabitants of the surrounding area and, on the other hand, rewards the efforts and care of the farmers who cultivate the special tree of the region, which for the ancient Greeks symbolized the prelude before the coming of spring, hope and the rebirth of nature.
Dear friends, you live in a wonderful natural environment, adorned by the blossoming almond trees. And this privilege of nature is also your privilege. For all the residents in Limnati, and the other communities of the Kouris and Xyluriko Valley cluster.
Dear ones,
This event highlights the spirit of cooperation between the communities of the cluster.
I would therefore like to express my congratulations for the event, which, apart from the obvious benefits, contributes to the strengthening of relations and the further development of cooperation between the communities.
This cooperation, ladies and gentlemen, also shows the correctness of the reform of local government because through it, you, the citizens, will soon begin to reap the many benefits of the services provided.
We are already in the transition period and the Ministry of Interior has already undertaken the coordination of actions for the implementation of the three laws. Especially for communities, 30 local service clusters are being created with their own legal personality. As you know, the communities: Agios Georgios (Limassol), Agios Mamas, Alassa, Apesia, Doros, Kapileio, Korfi, Lania, Limnati, Monagri, Silikou, Trimiklini are joined together in a cluster.
And undoubtedly, the creation of provincial clusters creates the conditions for increased administrative, scientific and technical competence in terms of offering higher quality utility services at lower costs.
Friends,
For our government, the Cypriot countryside and our mountainous areas have been a priority. Consistent in our words and actions, we have implemented generous housing schemes and allowances for our countryside, which we leave as a legacy to the next Government, and to all of you.
We have won the bet to continue rural development in the mountainous, marginal and disadvantaged areas, which are plagued by the wave of urbanisation and deforestation. This is what the evidence shows. 951 families have benefited, with grants of €34.2 million since the implementation of the plans.
It is for this reason that we have increased the available funds from €5 million in 2021 to €20 million for 2023.
These revised housing plans, announced for 2023, provide even more generous financial grants of up to €95,000. Because our aim is to make them even more attractive and to increase the pool of beneficiaries in order to achieve more favourable conditions of progress and prosperity for you, the inhabitants of our mountain and rural areas.
In addition to the housing projects, we have also announced a targeted subsidy policy, which is significantly improved for the inhabitants of our mountain communities.
We have created, dear friends, a window of opportunity. It is now up to all of you to use the plans and incentives to achieve the expected benefits for the local community and economy.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In a few days, the almond trees will bring spring while giving a message of flowering, fruiting and renewal.
I hope that this same happy event will also signal a better future for each and every one of you and your communities.
I would like to congratulate the community leaders and the Community Councils of the Kouris - Xylourikou Complex for this event, which highlights the identity of the region. Special thanks to the chairman and members of the Limnati Community Council for hosting us, and to all those who contributed to its realization.
Have fun.
(EFys)
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs to PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
