Cyprus’ new correctional facility is expected to become operational in around four years, Justice Minister Costas Fytiris told the House Legal Affairs Committee on Tuesday.
Speaking before the committee, Fytiris said the site for the new prison has already been identified and that all the necessary procedures will now be launched to move the project forward. However, he stressed that the exact location will not be made public at this stage.
According to the minister, consultations will first be held with neighbouring communities, in an effort to pre-empt the reactions that typically accompany the announcement of major infrastructure projects.
Fytiris said the objective is to construct a modern facility that meets all required standards and can properly fulfil its core purpose, namely rehabilitation and correction.
He added that his visits to the existing Central Prisons will continue until the serious problems currently facing the facility are addressed.
Responding to questions about strong reactions from police officers over recent changes to working hours, the minister said that if any measures fall outside existing regulations, they will be corrected. He clarified that the issue falls under the exclusive authority of the Chief of Police.
Fytiris also said that since taking office, police checks have been intensified across all cities, adding that only the necessary minimum number of officers will now remain at police headquarters.