Seven major infrastructure projects in Larnaca worth over €50 million are facing significant delays, with one project already 16 years behind schedule and most others moving from extension to extension.
The delays, described as inconceivable in most cases, are primarily attributed to bureaucracy and sluggishness of state services, with responsibility falling on both current and previous governments.
The most striking example is the extension of Panagoulis Avenue, connecting Larnaca with Livadhia. Despite being classified as a “Road of Primary Importance”, the second phase of the project has not been implemented, even though the regulatory plan was prepared in 2009.
Key project facing 20-year delay
The Panagoulis Avenue extension, originally estimated at €12 million, is of critical importance and more urgent than ever due to rapid development in the area freed after the removal of oil tanks.
The project serves as a parallel to the Larnaca-Dhekelia road, for which local authorities have made numerous representations to the relevant ministries.
Safety concerns have been raised due to the large volume of vehicles channelled through a road where two schools are located.
The Town Planning and Housing Department, speaking to philenews, said actions to complete the study were suspended due to Cyprus’s “adverse fiscal situation” during 2011-2017.
Procedures restarted in 2018 and the Project Note was approved the following year. However, it took five years for the new regulatory plan to be approved on March 27, 2024.
The latest development is that a private consultant was assigned on May 5 to conduct the study indicated by the Environment Department, lasting 20 weeks. The matter will then go to the Public Works Department for preparation of construction drawings.
“According to earlier agreement with the Public Works Department, implementation of the project could begin in 2028, a date that will need to be redetermined based on today’s capabilities,” the department noted.
Bus station project suspended
Another significant project moving from extension to extension is the creation of a new Central Bus Station. The tender was supposed to be announced in early 2024 but remained on paper, prompting the mayor’s anger and request for Transport Minister intervention.
The Public Works Department said the tender for the station, to be built near Makarios Avenue, will be announced in June.
Multiple projects stalled
The conversion of the old hospital into Larnaca’s Town Hall has become an endless series due to delays by the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO).
The organisation was supposed to move its services to the second floor of the General Hospital’s new wing in December 2022 but has requested repeated extensions. The project cost has risen from €7 million to €10 million.
The major project to unify Kition’s archaeological sites is also moving at a snail’s pace. No architectural competition has been announced due to Antiquities Department procedures.
The €4 million project includes unifying the Archaeological Museum, ancient harbour, and Agios Neofytos Street, where the Hercules mosaic was discovered.
Mayor’s statement
“We continue pressuring for projects to start. The state failed to resolve bureaucracy issues. Projects with European funds have started – we’re implementing six currently – whilst urban planning projects from the same period are delayed,” Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras said.
He cited the completed Piale Pasha and Mediterranean Park projects as examples, noting their development process began after other delayed projects.
Other delayed projects
Ayios Ioannis regeneration: 10 years delayed, tender expected within three months, cost €7 million.
Livadia core regeneration: Contract to be signed within June, cost €3 million.
Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP): €18.3 million EU-funded project suspended after Administrative Court cancelled tender in March due to procedural irregularities.
Mayor’s statement
“We continue pressuring for projects to start. The state failed to resolve bureaucracy issues. Projects with European funds have started – we’re implementing six currently – whilst urban planning projects from the same period are delayed,” Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras said.
He cited the completed Piale Pasha and Mediterranean Park projects as examples, noting their development process began after other projects. “One example is the Bus Transfer Station, which was on paper long before the ‘Salina’ park, which has been completed,” Vyras added.
