President Nikos Christodoulides has announced significant investments in infrastructure and urban regeneration projects across Cyprus, with particular emphasis on the Paphos district, during the inauguration of the newly redeveloped square and traditional centre of Koili.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President said that the €3.4m project in Geroskipou had been completed, while major urban development projects were also being promoted in other areas of Paphos, including Kouklia, Peyia and Latchi.
According to Christodoulides, planned interventions across the Paphos district represent investments of approximately €75m.
He also outlined the government's wider development plans, announcing that projects worth a total of €3.5bn are expected to receive approval by September 2027, with implementation scheduled to begin on 1 January 2028.
Of the total amount, €2.5bn is expected to come from European funding, while the remaining €1bn will be financed through national resources.
The President stressed the importance of preparing and developing projects in a timely manner, calling on all relevant stakeholders to work closely with the Paphos District Local Government Organisation and the District Administration to submit as many fully developed proposals as possible, allowing implementation to begin without delay.
He added that the government's objective was to ensure that economic growth and available European and national funding translated into tangible benefits for citizens through modern infrastructure, upgraded public spaces and an improved quality of life.
Koili celebrates completion of €1.6m redevelopment project
Turning to the project in Koili, Christodoulides congratulated everyone involved in its completion, specifically acknowledging the contribution of the Community Council, the Paphos District Administration, the Paphos District Local Government Organisation, the Ministry of Interior's European Funds Directorate, the project designers and other contributors.
The redevelopment, with a reported total cost of approximately €1.6m, began in September 2023 and was completed in November 2024.
The project was financed through European and national resources, with the Paphos District Administration also playing a key role in its implementation.
The works covered approximately 850 metres of the community's central roads, where traditional stone paving was installed. Provisions were also made to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.
Additional improvements included upgrading the stormwater drainage system, placing utility networks underground and carrying out landscaping works. New flower beds, seating areas and other urban amenities were also installed to create a more welcoming and functional environment for residents and visitors.
Christodoulides said the significance of the project extended beyond the area's aesthetic improvement, highlighting its role in creating a space for social interaction and strengthening community ties.
"Our aim is to create better living conditions, make our communities more attractive and give people the opportunity to remain in their hometowns, build their lives and plan their future with optimism," he said.
The President also referred to other development projects in Koili, noting that the regional centre had already been completed following a separate government investment of approximately €8m.
More than 75 projects planned for Paphos
Referring to the wider development strategy for the Paphos district and the government-controlled areas, Christodoulides recalled that a meeting with local stakeholders in September 2025 had outlined more than 75 projects with a combined budget exceeding €230m.
The projects address key needs in infrastructure, road safety, sustainable mobility, environmental protection and local development.
"Our aim is to revitalise these beautiful areas, our mountainous communities and their traditional centres, creating sustainable and functional spaces," the President said.
He expressed confidence that the newly upgraded square and traditional centre of Koili would become a vibrant meeting place for residents, families and younger generations, preserving the community's distinctive character while strengthening the bonds between its people.
Community Council highlights new opportunities for Koili
Koili Community Council Chairman Michalakis Efthymiou said the completion of the redevelopment project marked the beginning of a new chapter for the village.
The project, which he described as having a total budget of €1.2m, has already transformed the appearance of the community, improving the functionality and aesthetics of its centre while highlighting its traditional character.
Among the main interventions was the replacement of the existing road surfaces with traditional stone paving, giving the village a more authentic appearance in keeping with its architectural identity.
Electricity and telecommunications cables were also placed underground, reducing visual pollution and enhancing the overall appearance of the settlement.
Further improvements were made to access routes and pedestrian and vehicle accessibility, with the aim of creating a safer and more convenient environment for residents and visitors.
Efthymiou added that, beyond its aesthetic benefits, the redevelopment was expected to create new opportunities for Koili's economic and tourism development.
With the project now complete, the village has acquired a renewed traditional centre which is expected to become a landmark for the wider area and provide fresh momentum for its future development.
