Ministry gives update on the Paphos-Polis Chrysochous road

For the Government, what is worthwhile regarding the issue of the road from Paphos to Polis Chrysochous is to help residents with investment opportunities and the ability to find work and raise their children on their family's land, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works has underlined.

In an announcement following statements regarding the Paphos-Polis motorway, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works recalls that on 24 January, 2025, it was announced that the two-lane road from Paphos to Polis Chrysochous will be constructed as a four-lane motorway and connect Paphos with Mesogi.

An entrance and exit to the highway will be constructed in Marathounta, allowing quick access to the entire surrounding area.

This, he notes, is a comprehensive and modern road project that will improve road safety to the maximum extent, reduce access time to the Polis Chrysochous area, and allow quick access to work, education and health services in Paphos.

At the same time, this project will also upgrade economic activity in Pyrgos, will help create new jobs, will add value to residents' real estate and will contribute to the effort to combat urban sprawl.

According to the Ministry of Transport, all of this is to improve and upgrade the planning for the two-lane road that was described as a "killer zone", and access to which was limited. Specifically, access to Paphos would only be via Ayia Marinouda.

The two-lane road had no exit to the Marathounta area, depriving residents of the opportunity to develop their property.

The Government, it continues, "was forced to terminate the previous contract with the contractor. The competent committees considered that the contractor's demands for compensation of approximately €36 million and an extension of 59 months were not justified.

The Department of Public Works acted legally, ensuring that any payment or time extension is made only within the framework of the prescribed procedures and not through a negotiation that would grant public wealth through procedures that lack objectivity."

He adds that the updated cost estimate of the project by the Department of Public Works took into account the new economic conditions and includes the value of the work already performed.

The additional amount will be the subject of a legal claim. Moreover, a court has already issued a decision allowing the unhindered implementation of Phase A.

The Ministry points out that "the timetable was assessed by experts and is realistic, both constructionally and financially. The resources are there and there is also the Government's commitment to move forward with a project that will breathe new life into Paphos."

It also noted that on 24 January, 2025, the Government also announced the expansion of the port in Latchi, a project that had remained on paper since 2022.

This is a project that will upgrade the infrastructure of the region, creating the conditions for new investments and economic activity. It will act as a catalyst for development, offering employment opportunities and strengthening the local community, the Ministry of Transport adds.

"Mr. Karousos, a former Minister, claims the spiritual fatherhood of the project," he says, adding that "for the Government, personal glory is not important. What is worth it is to help the residents with investment opportunities, with the ability to find work and with a chance to raise their children on their family's land."

In conclusion, the Ministry of Transport notes that "we will be happy when these projects progress and when residents one day consider them as given, and not as plans on the shelf or as roads that should have been highways."

(Source: InBusinessNews)