The long-awaited development of the Ormideia-Xylofagou coastal front, which has remained largely untouched for decades, was among the key issues discussed during a recent meeting between a delegation from AKEL Famagusta district committee and Maria Kyriakidou Pieri, Civil Administrator of the British Bases of Dhekelia.
Stretching for approximately six kilometres, the coastline is often described by local residents as an "untapped treasure".
The area extends from Dhekelia to the boundaries of the Xylofagou firing range and falls within territories that were partially opened up under the 2022 policy statement, following the agreement reached between the Republic of Cyprus and the United Kingdom.
However, the process of examining objections to the plan remains unresolved, delaying the finalisation of both the policy statement and the planning framework for the affected areas.
According to participants in the meeting, this longstanding issue continues to hinder development prospects for the neighbouring communities of Xylofagou and Ormideia.
They argued that the matter cannot be resolved until the objections process is completed and the revision of planning zones is formally approved.
As a result, authorities are currently unable to prepare long-term development plans for the coastline that could benefit local communities.
The continuing uncertainty also prevents the utilisation of extensive and valuable privately owned land, while placing potential tourism and residential developments on hold.
Wider development concerns
The AKEL delegation also raised a number of other issues, including:
- Upgrading the road network in Xylofagou, Ormideia and Dasaki Achnas
- Creating new residential zones in Dasaki Achnas
- Supporting development in the Strovilia area, which remains underdeveloped and largely abandoned after many residents relocated elsewhere
The delegation further discussed the rights of refugees originating from the occupied communities of Kontea and Lysi, seeking assurances that they can continue to cultivate and make use of agricultural land located within the administrative boundaries of the British Bases of Dhekelia without restrictions.
Local representatives argue that unlocking the development potential of the coastline would help ensure that the affected communities enjoy opportunities comparable to those available in other parts of the Republic.
