Evantia Tsolaki took office as Cyprus’ new Minister of Transport, Communications and Works on Thursday, succeeding Alexis Vafeades following this week’s government reshuffle.
At the handover ceremony, Tsolaki described the portfolio as “a very heavy responsibility”, saying her predecessor had set the bar high. She pledged to continue projects already under way while establishing the ministry’s next priorities.
A demanding portfolio
Ministry Permanent Secretary Marina Ioannou Hasapi said the ceremony marked both the conclusion of a significant period and the beginning of a new one.
Addressing Vafeades, she praised his dedication, integrity and commitment to dialogue, noting that he leaves behind important work as well as several initiatives and projects that remain in progress.
Turning to Tsolaki, she described the ministry as a particularly demanding portfolio, with policies and projects that directly affect citizens’ daily lives and the country’s development.
Vafeades leaves ‘with gratitude’
Vafeades said he was departing with “deep feelings of gratitude”, thanking President Nikos Christodoulides for entrusting him with the ministry and praising the officials who supported his work.
He also expressed confidence in his successor, describing her as capable, knowledgeable and prepared to work hard to complete the projects already launched.
“This ministry’s legacy is to deliver development projects for the good of the country,” he said, adding that he was certain Tsolaki would continue that effort.
Tsolaki: ‘We are rolling up our sleeves’
Tsolaki thanked Vafeades for the warm welcome and said the emotional response of ministry officials reflected the trust and mutual respect he had built during his tenure.
She congratulated him on his record and said she intended to build on the work already completed.
“I am taking over a very heavy responsibility. He has set the bar very high,” she said. “I am taking the baton, knowing that I must continue in the same way.”
Tsolaki said she had already received an initial briefing from departmental heads.
“We are rolling up our sleeves from today,” she said. “Together with the ministry’s management and officials, we will continue the work being handed over to us.”
Vafeades responds on Takata airbags
Asked whether he was leaving with a sense of bitterness following references to possible responsibility in the Takata airbag case, Vafeades repeated that he was departing with gratitude.
He said the commission of inquiry had already determined where responsibility lay and urged interested parties to consult its findings on the allocation of political responsibility.
Vafeades added that the Road Transport Department had placed two bills concerning the issue before public consultation. He said the proposed legislation sought to restore order to a process that had diverged from legal requirements for more than 15 years.
“We have put the matter on the right track,” he said, expressing confidence that the parliamentary debate would clarify the remaining issues.
Limassol traffic among priorities
Vafeades also expressed hope that projects supporting rural communities would proceed, particularly those improving access to healthcare, education and employment.
Asked about traffic congestion in Limassol and elsewhere, Tsolaki said several projects were already under way. She referred to discussions between her predecessor and Limassol Municipality over the proposed northern bypass, as well as other ongoing measures.
“Our goal is to ease traffic congestion and find solutions towards that objective,” she said.
Source: CNA.
