The strain placed on western Nicosia’s road network by large developments was brought before the House Transport Committee on Thursday, with residents warning of mounting pressure on their daily lives. Officials said road upgrades and traffic measures are planned, despite permits having already been issued for projects in the area.
Concerns over the Kykkos site
The issue was placed on the committee’s agenda at the initiative of Alma Movement MP Irene Charalambidou, who questioned how permits had been granted and whether the impact on the road network had been adequately assessed.
Her concerns relate to plans for a hotel, hospital and high-rise buildings in the area.
Louiza Mavrommati, speaking on behalf of the Human Engomi Initiative, highlighted the already congested roads surrounding the Kykkos Monastery dependency. Residents have also expressed concern that Makedonias Avenue could be converted into a four-lane, two-way road.
Planning conditions and road upgrades
A Department of Town Planning and Housing official said an application submitted by Kykkos Monastery in 2018 involved dividing the land into four plots and preparing a masterplan covering residential, commercial, leisure and other developments.
The application was examined by the competent traffic studies body, among other authorities, and the permit granted in 2023 included specific conditions.
Detailed aspects of each project will be assessed when separate development applications are submitted. A key condition is that the road network must be upgraded as the plots are developed.
The Monastery was also required to provide land for the widening of Yiannou Kranidioti Street.
The department said there is no plan to turn Makedonias Avenue into a four-lane road, as the proposal was abandoned in 2006 following objections. The current plan provides for two lanes without a central reservation, alongside a cycle path and wide pavements.
Infrastructure has not kept pace
Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos acknowledged that infrastructure and work on the area’s main roads have not kept pace with development.
He said the municipality and the Department of Town Planning and Housing have prioritised a series of projects, particularly in western Nicosia. Work on Iroon and Lefkotheou avenues has been placed on the priority list for funding.
Prountzos said the municipal authority also opposes the creation of a four-lane road and has no such proposal before it.
The fact that development permits have already been granted does not prevent measures from being introduced to limit further traffic congestion, he added.
Changes to plans for the former State Fair site, which is set to be transformed into a metropolitan park, were also designed to prevent additional pressure on the area’s road network.
MPs call for balanced development
ELAM MP and deputy committee chair Andreas Papacharalambous said development must remain in harmony with the area’s residents and environment.
AKEL MP Valentinos Fakontis called for greater emphasis on traffic management, alongside rational development and stronger public transport.
DIKO MP Chrysanthos Savvidis said the area’s development was moving in the right direction.
Charalambidou stressed that whenever development permits are approved, the authorities must also safeguard traffic conditions and residents’ quality of life.
Source: CNA
