#Complaints over the allocation of state development funds have spread from Limassol to the free Famagusta district, with DISY MP Giorgos Lysandridis criticising the government over what he described as a lack of major infrastructure projects for the area.
Speaking after a meeting of the House Finance Committee, during which lawmakers examined the budget of the Ministry of Transport, Lysandridis expressed disappointment with the level of spending allocated to the district.
Less than 3% allocated to district
According to Lysandridis, only €38 million of the ministry's €1.37 billion budget is earmarked for the free Famagusta district.
He said the amount represents less than 3% of the total budget and does not reflect the district's needs.
Criticism of government priorities
The DISY MP argued that the government's investment in the district appears to be focused more on political appointments than on infrastructure projects.
“Unfortunately, we see that the government is investing only politically, through the appointment of ministers and deputy ministers, in Famagusta district,” he said.
He added that the number of projects planned for the area was disproportionately low compared with the overall size of the budget.
Calls for greater investment
Lysandridis said the current allocation was unsatisfactory and called on the government of President Nikos Christodoulides to provide greater support for the district through development projects and infrastructure spending.
His remarks add to concerns previously raised by officials and stakeholders in Limassol, bringing renewed attention to how development expenditure is distributed among Cyprus' districts.
