The final decision on the implementation of the new prison complex in the Agios Sozomenos area will be taken after the completion of the Master Plan and the necessary technical, environmental and other studies, the justice ministry announced.
The announcement followed a meeting held on Tuesday with the participation of mayors and deputy mayors of the affected Local Authorities of the Municipalities of South Nicosia – Dali and Latsia – Geri.
Planning process
During the meeting, views were exchanged, the positions and reasonable concerns of the Local Authorities were recorded, and it was agreed that dialogue would continue through all subsequent stages of the planning process.
As part of the process, a state-owned plot in the Agios Sozomenos area has been selected so that its suitability can be assessed and the relevant Master Plan and required studies can be prepared.
The ministry clarifies that the selection of the plot is a stage in the planning process. It says the final decision will be taken once the studies have been completed and all the data have been assessed as a whole.
Once the Master Plan is completed, it will be presented to the Local Authorities, followed by consultation so that their views and documented recommendations can be taken into account before the planning is finalised.
If the studies confirm the suitability of the site and the feasibility of implementing the project, its promotion will be combined with the examination and, to the extent possible, satisfaction of fair and documented requests by the Local Authorities, particularly concerning infrastructure, the environment and the broader upgrading of the area.
The justice ministry stressed that the common aim is to continue an honest and productive dialogue, with mutual respect and responsibility, so that the final decision serves the needs of the state while also taking seriously the needs and reasonable concerns of local communities.
Source: CNA
