Local stakeholders in Limassol are preparing to discuss possible protest action in response to what they see as the limited allocation of major infrastructure projects in the 2027 state budget.
Speaking on Politis Radio 107.6 & 97.6's programme Morning Briefing, Andreas Tsouloftas, president of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EVEL), said he will propose the closure of one of the city's roundabouts for two hours on 14 November.
A meeting involving the mayors of greater Limassol is scheduled for Friday, when a final decision on possible protest measures is expected.
"We will close roads. We will close the Agia Fyla or Agios Athanasios roundabout from 11am to 1pm," Tsouloftas said, adding that the proposal appears to have support among local mayors, although no final decision has yet been taken.
"Only 3.8% of development spending"
Tsouloftas criticised what he described as the low share of development funding allocated to Limassol.
According to his calculations, out of approximately €1.5 billion in development projects included in the budget, Limassol receives only 3.8%, or around €57 million.
He argued that most of the projects concern school buildings and do not address the large-scale road infrastructure works that local authorities and business groups have been seeking for years.
Responding to suggestions that projects must first be sufficiently advanced before receiving funding, he questioned who was responsible for preparing them.
"Who will mature these projects? The Chamber? The municipalities? It is the government that matures them."
Traffic volumes continue to increase
Tsouloftas highlighted the city's worsening traffic problem, citing figures from the Public Works Department.
According to the data he referenced, traffic on Limassol's motorway increased from approximately 96,000 vehicles per day at the start of the year to 104,000 vehicles per day last month.
He argued that continued delays to road projects are affecting both residents and businesses.
"This city cannot continue to suffocate. Limassol's business environment is suffering, and daily life for residents has become unbearable."
Call for timelines and commitments
The EVEL president said he recently met the responsible minister to discuss infrastructure projects sought by Limassol but complained that no clear implementation schedules have been provided.
He also raised concerns about coordination between ministries, saying that expropriation procedures and required studies continue to cause delays.
According to Tsouloftas, Limassol requires infrastructure projects worth approximately €2 billion, to be implemented gradually over several years.
"We are not asking for €2 billion in a single year."
Rather, he said, stakeholders want commitments that projects will begin and be completed over time.
Concerns over business competitiveness
Tsouloftas warned that deteriorating living and business conditions could affect Limassol's ability to attract and retain foreign companies.
He said traffic congestion is one of the most common concerns expressed by businesses operating in the city.
He also announced that a meeting with the Minister of Justice is scheduled for Thursday to discuss policing, public safety and the operation of Limassol's central police station.
Finally, he did not rule out seeking a further intervention from Nikos Christodoulides if the government fails to provide concrete commitments regarding the infrastructure projects being sought by the city.
