President Nikos Christodoulides has pledged that a solution will be found to the long-running issue of the development of Larnaca Port and Marina.
Speaking last Friday, 30 October, during the foundation stone ceremony for the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) School of Marine Sciences, Technology and Sustainable Development, which is to be built in the Mackenzie area, Christodoulides said his government would tackle the port and marina project in the same way it had overcome difficulties surrounding the university development.
Referring to the new faculty, the President said an extensive process had been followed, involving the completion of necessary institutional, legislative and financial procedures.
He noted that all relevant departments had worked with persistence, consistency, determination and patience, adding that although there had been doubts about whether the state could deliver the project, the difficulties had ultimately been overcome and construction was now moving forward.
"We will do the same for the port and marina of Larnaca. Properly, institutionally and with all legal safeguards in place, so that no problems arise. We do not want to announce projects only to terminate them later because of institutional, legal or other obstacles.
"We will follow the correct procedures so that we do not end up facing claims for additional millions of euros and delays in project completion. We will move forward correctly, legally, institutionally and with full safeguards."
The remarks appeared to reference the recent legal obstacle concerning the transfer of the marina from the state to the Cyprus Ports Authority, a step required before the authority could begin implementing the development plans it had announced.
Last week, Evi Tsolaki, Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, announced in a written statement that the legal issue had now been resolved and that work on the port and marina would proceed in line with the Development Roadmap presented by the Cyprus Ports Authority.
As a result, Christodoulides' comments have fuelled expectations that the ambitious project may finally move forward, although local stakeholders in Larnaca are waiting to see concrete action.
Support signalled for arts centre
In his speech, the President also suggested that the Council of Ministers would give the green light to funding several projects, including a planned Arts and Culture Centre in the area of the former oil refineries.
"Because Larnaca also has the particular dimension of the European Capital of Culture 2030, we have discussed and, by 2027, the Council of Ministers will approve the next co-funded programmes worth €3.5 billion. I call on the authorities of Larnaca to mature all projects so that they can be approved and the city can be fully prepared for European Capital of Culture 2030," Christodoulides said.
The proposed cultural centre, estimated to cost around €30 million, is intended to serve as the flagship project for the major cultural programme planned in connection with European Capital of Culture 2030.
It is expected to be built on a site covering approximately 4,000 square metres in the former refinery area.
