New projects worth 60 million euro will be taking place in the Paphos district, President Nicos Anastasiades has announced.
The President visited the coastal town of Paphos, on Monday and had meetings with the local authorities, representatives of tourism boards, residents and others.
Speaking during his visit at the Town Hall, President Anastasiades said that he feels really happy because after 26 months in the administration of the country, he is able to visit Paphos and then all the districts and to announce the execution of specific projects which will contribute significantly to the development of the economy and will improve the lives of all the citizens.
The President referred to the conditions under which he undertook the presidency, noting that he does not want to point fingers but to mention specific events. The state, as he pointed out, was on the brink of bankruptcy after May of 2011 and when he took up his duties the interest rate through state bonds reached 15%.
He also referred to the liquidity problems the banks were facing, the fact that the provision of emergency liquidity (ELA) by the European Central Bank reached 11.4 billion while capital needs reached 7 billion.
President Anastasiades said that he took office under these circumstances and he had to take `painful decisions`.
He pointed out that the government did not impose any other taxes besides the increase of corporate tax by 2.5% and the solidarity contribution of civil servants and teachers who did not exceed 0.2%.
According to President Anastasiades, no reduction of salaries and pensions was imposed adding that the solidarity levy which was voluntarily accepted by civil servants and teachers resulted in the annulment of the decision taken by the previous government for the dismissal of 1,800 hourly employees and 650 teachers.
President Anastasiades also pointed out that as a result of Cyprus economy gaining its credibility and following the positive assessments by the Troika (EC, ECB and IMF), banks were able to make the necessary recapitalization, to successfully pass the stress tests and nowadays we can all speak of a reliable financial system.
He also said that we were able to restore credibility in the banking system and thus to remove all the remaining restrictions in bank transactions.
Referring in particular to Paphos Municipality, the President announced that projects will include the transformation of the traditional commercial center and the Kennedy square and are set to begin next November.
Revamp works will take place at 28th of October square, Kostis Palamas square and Dionysios Solomos square which surround the town hall. The works will begin the latest the first quarter of 2016.
Works will also take place for the expansion of the District Police Department, Paphos District Court. Other projects will take place for the reduction of solid waste, the construction of seaside hotel units, restoration of various archaeological sites and improvement works for the coastal promenade.
The government, the President said, has also decided to contribute of an additional amount (above the 5 mln it is already contributing) for the promotion of Paphos as the Cultural Capital of Europe for 2017.
These projects include landscape and upgrade works of the municipal market , the restoration of the building of the former movie theater “Attikon”, works at the Markideion Theatre, redevelopment of specific spots at Moutallos district as well as the restoration of Ibrahim Chani.
President Anastasiades noted that all these projects are estimated to be concluded no later than December 2016 since Paphos is assuming the title of European Capital of Culture on January 2017.
President also announced other projects for Yeroskipou municipality such as the construction of the road connecting the center of Geroskipou with the Tourist Municipality area, additional breakwater and the construction of a health center. Projects will also take place at Polis Municipality such as the restoration of the coastal front.
He also pointed out that the Ministry of Transport is expected to present a proposal before the Cabinet soon for the tourist development of the Port of Latchi.
He also expressed the hope that this year an ambulance station will operate at the Municipality of Peyia.
Other projects the President announced include the construction of the Timi-Nata-Axylou-Pentalia road as well as the replacement of the central water pipeline in the area.
The President also had a meeting with the Paphos Hoteliers Association urging the officials to set up a body for the comprehensive upgrading of hotel units and the enhancement of the quality of services offered.
Paphos mayor said that the President`s visit to the area is a proof of the willingness of the government to promote previous projects that will enhance the quality of life.
He noted also that Paphos had an economic decline due to phenomena of corruption and that nowadays transparency and good governance are the cornerstone for economic development and progress of the society.