My current tour of the wider Troodos region is nothing but the practical proof of my love for this naturally endowed region, where I had the privilege to live the first years of my life, but also to enjoy the last decade during the summer holidays.
And because of my frequent visits I have had the opportunity to see at first hand not only the potential for further development and progress in the region, but also the long-standing problems that have plagued our mountain communities.
Problems such as, among others, depopulation, declining economic and commercial activity and limited tourism.
Most importantly, without strategic planning, it would not have been possible to address the challenges facing our mountain communities.
In this context, we proceeded to adopt and implement an integrated Strategic Development Plan.
To achieve the above objective, for the first time in the history of the Republic of Cyprus, the "National Development Strategy for Mountain Communities" was prepared, with the appointment of a specific Commissioner for the supervision, preparation and monitoring of the implementation of development projects in the region.
I cannot but mention the visionary, the first Commissioner of Mountain Communities, Mr. Yannis Papadouris, who through his own expenses has elaborated the whole national strategy and actions with university students. At the same time, after the voluntary resignation of Mr Papadouris, I cannot fail to acknowledge his successor Mr Costas Hambiaouris, a close associate of mine who, continuing the work of his predecessor, you know how interested he was in mountain communities and how much he contributed to the adoption of 350 development actions by the end of 2030 with a total budget of more than 525 million euros.
Before referring to specific actions related to development planning, allow me to refer indicatively to flagship policies and projects of the National Strategy that have a horizontal and institutional character.
1. The extension within February of the National Strategy with the inclusion of the mountainous communities of the Paphos and Larnaca Districts.
2. The new Troodos Policy Statement, which is expected to come into force this year, which will constitute the staff spatial plan and will include, inter alia, targeted policy measures and provisions to promote development.
3. The establishment of the mountain principle and mountain policy. Public consultation on the Bill has already been completed and it will be submitted to Parliament for adoption.
4. The recognition of cottage industry as a branch of secondary production.
5. The determination of specific conditions and specifications for the development and operation of visitable - multifunctional farms.
6. The environmental impact study for the development of the Troodos Mountain Communities.
7. The recent approval by the Council of Ministers of the creation and development of the Mountain Sports Resorts.
At the same time not neglecting culture, and the Office of Cultural Activities of the Mountain Communities.
These actions, combined with the sponsorship plans of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, the construction of a new ski centre and the National Observatory, but also the upgrading of the role and strengthening of the operation of the Troodos Tourism Development and Promotion Company, are considered of strategic importance.
At the same time, the National "Cyprus_Tomorrow Plan" includes four projects that will contribute even more to the intended development of the mountain communities.
Complementary and reinforcing our efforts to halt urbanisation and support not only the residents of Troodos, but also the wider rural, mountainous, marginal and disadvantaged areas, are the relevant housing projects and the Government's subsidy policy.
As you are well aware, in July 2019 we announced a series of housing plans, aiming to give a substantial boost to the development prospects of these areas, while in February 2021 new communities were included in the plans, thus expanding the potential beneficiaries.
I did not fail to take note of comments made during my visit to Kyperunta regarding areas where permanent residents, young people, could be eligible and apply for a housing loan. There were some problems which have been corrected and we have enabled wider housing planning for our young people.
So far, more than 900 applications have been approved, representing financial assistance of €32.5 million.
In fact, in the 2023 budget, the funds available for these projects have been increased to €20 million, which demonstrates our will and determination and the Government's practical support for these areas.
While, from 2019, the Support Allowance for Residents of Mountainous Areas is granted to permanent residents of 119 mountainous communities, at an altitude of more than 600 meters, and from 2021, the Allowance for Support for Permanent Residents of Remote Areas, for non-pensioner working residents, in 130 remote communities.
In the 2023 budget, the available appropriations for the above two allowances amount to 7.5 million euros.
Another element of the broader effort to regenerate the Troodos communities was the launch of major road network projects, investments in excess of 200 million euros, which have been a constant and long-standing demand of the inhabitants of the mountainous areas.
Another element of the broader effort to regenerate the Troodos communities was the launch of major road network projects, investments in excess of 200 million euros, which have been a constant and long-standing demand of the inhabitants of the mountainous areas.
As the main ones, I note the Limassol - Saitta road, the Nicosia - Paleochori and Astromeritis - Evrychou motorways, as well as the Pitsilia bypass and the improvement of the road connecting the communities of Akrunda - Dsironas - Arakapa.
Regarding development actions in individual policy areas, I highlight the following. First of all, we should mention the adoption of the General Health Care System, which covers all citizens without exception. Also. 1. An upgraded hospital that is second to none.
2. The construction of community clinics in Yerassia.
3. The expansion and upgrading of the Ambulance Station in Moniatis, Kampos and Evrychou, and the strengthening of the Ambulance Station in Pedoulas.
(b) In the field of social welfare we upgraded both quantitatively and qualitatively the social protection network to ensure decent living, social and family cohesion and equal opportunities for all residents of the mountainous areas, but especially for those in need of state care.
Indicatively and only I mention:
1. The operation of Regional Support Centres for the Elderly and Disabled in Fini and Palaichori.
2. The operation of physiotherapy centres in Agios Theodoros Pitsilia, in Pera Pedi, Lania and soon in Kalopanayiotis.
3. The creation of three Counselling Centres in the clusters of the communities of Solea, Pitsilia and mountain resorts, which will allow the faster identification and treatment of cases in need of social protection.
4. The operation of a Creative Employment Centre in Omodos.
5. The establishment of Infant Care Centres. In Kalopanagiotis it is already operating, while in Pachna and Agia Marina Xyliatou the buildings are in the final stage of completion and in February the construction will start in Trimiklini as well.
Important projects for the support of families and especially young couples.
Important projects for the support of families and especially young couples.
In the welfare sector, for the first time the Minimum Guaranteed Income was introduced, covering everyone without exception, for the first time maternity leave was reintroduced, for the first time maternity leave was granted to surrogate mothers, for the first time paternity leave was recognised, for the first time the national minimum wage is guaranteed, for the first time it is guaranteed that no pensioner can live below the poverty line, which is why, on the basis of the criteria, no pensioner who meets the criteria can have a pension income of less than EUR 710 or, if they are a couple, EUR 1200. Not to mention a whole range of other measures, which have been called either pension funds or civil servants' rights or the reintroduction of the ATA, even by 50%, with the Government's intention, of course, of constructive discussion with employers' organisations and workers' guilds, but, unfortunately, the existing views between employers' organisations and workers' organisations are so divided that they have not allowed the Government, without any further consequences, to resolve this problem. However, what was abolished in 2011 came back in 2017 and the further concession of ATA is on the table for discussion.
(c) We have shown similar will and determination with regard to the cultural sector, through the implementation of targeted projects and actions.
As the most important of these I note:
1. The establishment and operation of the Troodos Mountain Communities Cultural Foundation in Asbestos.
2. The establishment of the Artists' Workshop in Lania and the network of artists' hospitality in the mountain communities.
3. The creation of an Agricultural Heritage Museum in Xyliatos.
4. The operation of a Multipurpose Cultural Centre in Limniatis.
5. The maintenance, restoration, upgrading and exploitation of the monuments of the region.
6. The launching of the Open House Networks.
(d) With regard to the education and higher education sector, we have proceeded with:
1. 1.[1]
1.1. The branch of Agriculture was started in Solea Lyceum, with the prospect of creating an Agricultural Technical School in Galata, while in Omodos the branch of Winery - Viticulture operates.
3. The creation of a university farm in Lofou.
4. The creation of a School of Gastronomy in Moniatis.
5. The expansion of the Kyperounda and Korakos Primary Schools and the upgrading of the Trimiklini Primary School.
(e) In the context of upgrading security services in mountain communities, a number of projects have been completed, such as. The construction of the Morphou Police Headquarters in Evrychou.
2. The upgrades to Police and Fire Stations in Kakopetria, Kampos, Platres, Pachna, Kalo Chorio, Moniatis and Evrychou, while strengthening police and fire personnel.
While, the construction of a Heliport in the Morphou Police District and a Police Station in Lania has been launched.
3.
3. The implementation of flood protection and other fire protection projects worth millions of euros.
(f) As regards the agricultural sector, the development of an integrated system for the production, certification and promotion of Troodos products is being promoted, while through the Rural Development Programme, farmers and livestock farmers in the region benefit from sponsorship schemes.
(f) As regards the agricultural sector, the development of an integrated system for the production, certification and promotion of Troodos products is being promoted, while through the Rural Development Programme, farmers and livestock farmers in the region benefit from sponsorship schemes.
Needless to say, the plans and strategy for the mountain communities of the Ministry of State for Tourism and by all means upgrading, granting and supporting those who wish to do so, and similar investments are already being implemented, in terms of tourist accommodation and farms to be visited.
The Ministry of Interior and the Provincial Administrations are promoting a number of other development projects, most of which have been launched.
The Ministry of Interior and the Provincial Administrations are promoting a number of other development projects, most of which have been launched. Projects such as, among others, the creation of parking areas, parks, youth polycentres, redevelopment and landscaping of cores and other areas, as well as renovation, refurbishment, maintenance and erection of community buildings.
Not to mention a host of other projects, such as. The upgrading of the High Sports Centre in Agros and its conversion into a Centre for Eurosport, Research and Rehabilitation.
2.
2. The establishment and operation of Educational Polycenters of Youth of Mountain Communities Troodos in Evrychou.
3. The operation of Citizen Service Centres in Kakopetria and Agros.
There is a comprehensive national strategy for the Mountain Communities.
I would like to express my grateful thanks to all of you for all the support during my political career, especially during the last ten years. I am grateful to you and I want you to know that after 1 March I will continue to take an interest in the common affairs of my beloved rural residents regardless of ideological or political colour.
We have proved that during these ten years we have been politicking for prosperity, for development, for stability and in general to restore the dignity of every citizen and of this country.
(RM/MG)
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