While Larnaca stakeholders have welcomed the proposal to hand marina management to the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI), significant disagreement persists over the port’s development plans.
Most local stakeholders insist that the Cyprus Ports Authority’s €86 million three-phase development proposal should be considered.
This will be discussed at a pending meeting between the Larnaca Development Committee and the President of Cyprus.
The mayor of Larnaca told philenews that if their concerns are not addressed, they will proceed with a planned protest on January 11.
However, Transport Minister Vafeades remains opposed to changing course, maintaining that the Ports Authority should focus on projects in Vasilikos and Polis Chrysochous.
“The worst thing after a project’s failure is implementing the wrong project, as it will determine the infrastructure’s future for the next 50-100 years”, Vafeades said.
The government plans to launch a tender process in early 2025 to select an expert who will conduct a study for both the port and marina.
Meanwhile, progress on the marina management appears smoother, with CMMI CEO Zacharias Siokouros confirming the institute’s capability to manage the facility.
The Transport Ministry has sought legal advice, while the Public Works Department will request approval from the General Accounting Office for marina dredging works.
