Larnaca’s local authorities and business leaders expressed their frustration yesterday over ongoing delays regarding the development of the city’s Port and Marina, demanding a strict written schedule from the government.
During a meeting with Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades, Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras requested an official stance on a revival proposal submitted by the Prosperity Group—a shareholder of the former contractor, Kition Ocean Holdings. “The first thing we asked the Minister for is the government’s position on a proposal that has come to light and is being discussed intensely in the city,” Vyras stated, adding that the city needs data before expressing its final view.
The Mayor also highlighted significant lags in previously announced projects, specifically the architectural competition for the Larnaca Nautical Club and a study being conducted by the Greek Growth Fund (Superfund). “We must be more formal regarding the timelines we set,” Vyras noted.
Minister Vafeades reaffirmed the government’s commitment to three immediate projects worth approximately €30 million. He confirmed that the dredging of the marina will be completed this month and gave the green light for the architectural competition for the Nautical Club to proceed immediately.
Furthermore, the Minister announced that the Greek Superfund study, which will define the long-term future of the two infrastructures, is expected next week. “We have committed to the Mayor and the Larnaca Chamber of Commerce (EVEL) that we will return immediately with clear timelines for the consultation and the next steps for the tender process,” Vafeades said.
Dr Nakis Antoniou, President of EVEL, urged for the works to begin to create local jobs, while the Democratic Rally (DISY) party issued a statement calling on the government to evaluate all restart proposals to ensure this crucial development for the Cypriot economy moves forward.