Substantive progress on the long-awaited Larnaca port and marina redevelopment remains some distance away, with key legal and ownership issues still unresolved, according to discussions between local and government officials.
The development plans for the two strategic facilities were presented to local stakeholders last summer as part of a Development Roadmap prepared by the Cyprus Ports Authority (CPA).
Marina ownership issue remains unresolved
During a meeting on Tuesday between Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras and Transport Minister Evy Tsolaki, attended by officials from the CPA and the Public Works Department, participants were informed that legal issues concerning the port development have largely been addressed.
However, questions regarding the marina's legal framework and ownership status remain unresolved.
Although implementation procedures were expected to begin in order to meet the roadmap's timelines, progress stalled pending clarification of the legal and ownership arrangements for both facilities. A legal opinion was therefore requested from the Law Office.
Government promises roadmap will continue
Speaking after the meeting, Vyras said the outstanding marina issue is being handled by the relevant government departments.
He added that the transport minister had assured city representatives that the development roadmap would continue and that a solution regarding the marina's ownership arrangements would be announced soon.
According to the mayor, similar assurances were provided by the Cyprus Ports Authority.
"The minister informed us that the matter must be examined legally to ensure that the Ports Authority can proceed with development projects at the marina," Vyras said.
He noted that officials had stressed the current legal uncertainty would not affect the overall development timetable because the initial phase mainly involves studies and planning work.
"We hope the legal obstacle concerning the marina will be resolved as soon as possible so that we can see whether the development plan moves forward as promised," he added.
Other long-standing Larnaca projects discussed
The meeting also addressed a number of other issues that have been pending for years, including:
- Construction of the second phase of Alexandrou Panagouli Avenue.
- Securing compensatory measures linked to the operation of Larnaca Airport.
- Redevelopment of the former airport site.
- Coastal protection works aimed at tackling severe erosion along the Oroklini beachfront.
Concern over beach erosion
The issue of coastal erosion in Oroklini was also discussed.
According to the municipality, based on opinions from scientific experts, the construction of breakwaters may have worsened rather than solved the erosion problem.
The Public Works Department rejects that assessment. Its director is expected to carry out an on-site inspection to assess the scale of the problem.
