The second phase of the Oroklini seafront promenade will only proceed after the problem of coastal erosion has been addressed.
The erosion of the shoreline remains the number one issue facing Oroklini's tourist area, a challenge that has troubled local authorities, the Town Planning Department and the Public Works Department for years.
Despite the construction of breakwaters along the coastline, efforts to combat erosion have so far failed to resolve the problem. On the contrary, local officials say the situation is more severe than ever this year, with the sea having already swallowed several metres of sandy beach in some locations.
The advancing erosion has also caused significant damage to parts of the existing promenade and to areas in front of hotel developments.
These issues have prompted the competent state departments to temporarily halt procedures for the construction of the promenade's second phase, which would extend the waterfront route from the Le Bay Hotel to the well-known Marselena apartment building, near the site of the former fuel storage facilities.
According to the plans, the extension would cover between 800 and 1,000 metres of coastline.
Delay also backed by local authorities
Speaking to Politis, Neophytos Fakontis, Deputy Mayor of Oroklini's municipal district, said the local authority also believes the new phase of the promenade should not proceed unless the erosion problem is first resolved permanently.
Fakontis explained that the construction plans for the new phase have already been completed and approved. However, the decision taken by the relevant government departments is that a solution to coastal erosion must take priority before any expansion of the existing promenade moves forward.
He noted that a study commissioned by the Public Works Department, in cooperation with technical experts, is currently under way in order to determine the true causes of the erosion and identify effective ways of addressing its rapid spread.
As a result, local authorities are waiting for official announcements regarding the works that will be required and when they will be carried out.
Safety concerns remain
Fakontis stressed that the issue is closely linked to public safety.
Indicative of the seriousness of the situation is the fact that a section of the Oroklini promenade has remained closed to pedestrians for some time after authorities concluded there was a risk of collapse due to erosion.
Future of project awaits official decisions
At present, the seafront promenade stretches from the Le Bay Hotel to the boundary with Pyla.
The project falls under town-planning responsibilities and is now overseen by Larnaca Municipality following Oroklini's incorporation into the municipality under local government reform.
For now, local authorities continue to await official decisions on the measures needed to curb erosion before the planned extension can proceed.
