180 million euros will be invested in the development of Larnaca

A meeting between local authorities and the President of Cyprus was held in Larnaca on Saturday 29 March.

During the event, Nicos Christodoulidis said that 180 million euros would be invested in the development of the city. This money will be spent on the implementation of 60 major infrastructure projects.

The President stressed that all initiatives are aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens, creating modern infrastructure facilities and strengthening the economic potential of Larnaca. Particular attention will be paid to the development of the port and tourism industry, education, health, agriculture and sustainable development.

Christodoulidis announced that the long-awaited agreement with the Hellenic Asset Development Fund (HRDF) for the modernisation of Larnaca port will be signed in April 2025. The move will maximise the marina's potential and bring economic and social benefits to the region. He also revealed that dredging and repair work is now underway at the site, while a tender process has been launched in parallel.

Significant changes are in store for Larnaca International Airport. The recently signed agreement will allow for the expansion and renovation of the building, improving services for passengers. This is particularly important after a record 12.3 million passengers are expected by 2023.

To improve education in Larnaca, the government has approved funding for the School of Marine Sciences, Technology and Sustainable Development at the Cyprus University of Technology (Tepac). It is expected to open in 2027. The new training centre will promote research in the blue economy and train qualified professionals in the maritime industry. Steps are also being taken to attract foreign universities to Larnaca. Recent legislative changes and a new higher education strategy are making the city more attractive to international educational institutions.

The government will provide significant funding for the development of school infrastructure. Key initiatives include:

1. Technical and Vocational School for Green Vocations - will replace St Lazarus Technical School. The cost of the project is more than €30 million.
2. A further €40 million will be spent on the construction of new school buildings and the renovation of existing ones, including the Droshi and Evriviades gymnasiums.

A Business Innovation and Research Centre will be created in Aradippou, providing a platform for young entrepreneurs and start-ups. The centre will provide affordable office space and an environment conducive to business growth.

Agriculture, livestock and fisheries will receive €60 million under the CAP Strategic Plan (2023-2027). Programmes include:

1. Reducing energy costs for farmers
2. Support for irrigation projects
3. Developing sustainable farming technologies

There are also plans to modernise the Integrated Waste Management Facility and implement energy efficiency measures in the region.

16.4 million will be spent on upgrading Larnaca's medical infrastructure. The main changes will concern:

1. Expansion of the general hospital
2. Creation of an emergency unit for non-urgent cases
3. Allocation of additional specialists to the Afienou Medical Centre to improve services in remote areas.

Tourism remains a key area for economic growth. More than €1 million will be used to

1. Support for hospitality facilities and tourism infrastructure
2. Development of beach areas
3. Restoration of historical monuments, including Larnaca Castle, the archaeological complex at Chirokitia and the medieval chapel at Pyrga.
4. To improve the road network in Larnaca, the central avenues of Griva Digeni and Grigorios Afxentiou will be reconstructed and new bridges built.

As part of the administrative reform, Larnaca municipalities will receive €12 million per year (2025-2027) to compensate for the loss of revenue from the licensing of developments. Finally, housing initiatives include:

1. Allocation of self-build plots for the poor
2. Reforms of Turkish Cypriot property management to increase transparency
3. Expanded financial assistance programmes for refugees.

Christodoulidis stressed that a comprehensive approach to the development of Larnaca will make it a key economic, educational and tourist centre for Cyprus. This massive investment will ensure long-term benefits for residents, businesses and future generations, creating a modern, sustainable and comfortable environment in which to live and work.