A government decision to temporarily hand over Larnaca’s port and marina to private managers has been postponed until 2024, following strong opposition from local stakeholders who fear it will delay crucial infrastructure investments.
The government’s intentions will be clarified at a meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides and the Larnaca Development Committee on January 7 at the Presidential Palace.
Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras, who chairs the committee, told philenews that they would present specific demands to the president. “We cannot accept temporary managers as this poses significant risks to the major development project we want to see at the port and marina,” Vyras said.
The city has indicated it would accept the Centre for Marine and Maritime Innovation (CMMI) as temporary marina manager, though this decision is still pending finalisation. For the port, Larnaca proposes maintaining Cyprus Ports Authority’s involvement, at least temporarily.
The government’s current plan involves removing the Ports Authority from Larnaca port to focus on major projects planned for Vasilikos port and Polis Chrysochous.
This has become a major point of contention, with Vyras announcing that if the city’s demands are not met, a protest will be held outside Larnaca port on January 11.
The state has pledged to fund three short-term marina projects worth €25-30 million, including dredging works overseen by the Public Works Department.
The municipality is expected to launch an architectural competition in early 2024 for a Nautical Club building and landscaping works, though Vyras warned the council would not oversee these projects if their demands regarding private management are not addressed.
