Final construction plans for Phase A road improvements in the Akamas National Forest Park are due by January 17, as authorities seek to align the project with legally binding terms of a new Special Ecological Assessment published in March 2024.
Environmental organisations have expressed serious concerns about the Department of Forests’ willingness to implement required changes to resume works.
The plans will be presented to the Ad-hoc Committee for Special Ecological Assessment on February 3, 2025.
The project has faced significant setbacks since October 2023, when environmental groups filed formal complaints about violations of legally binding environmental approval terms.
By December 2023, all Ad-hoc Committee members except the Department of Forests had formally acknowledged these violations.
Construction work was halted in January 2024 following a December 2023 Cabinet decision, leading to a project reassessment that concluded in March 2024.
The new Special Ecological Assessment included 15 legally binding conditions and measures to restore environmental damage in the protected area.
Two key issues remain unresolved regarding Phase A improvements: final recommendations for hydraulic works, including four bridges and culverts at Avakas Gorge and Toxeftra River mouth, and geotechnical works in high geological risk areas.
Environmental groups note that government-set deadlines have expired, with no response to their enquiries from the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment since September 2024.
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