On Tuesday, December 23, a contract was officially signed for the continuation of construction works under the project for the redevelopment of the fishing harbor and riverbed in Liopetri, according to the Cyprus Department of Lands and Surveys. The agreement concerns the first phase of the project and provides for the completion of key structural elements of the fishing shelter, in particular the mooring facilities.
The agreement was signed at the Department’s central offices by its Director, Kyriakos Koundouros, on behalf of the contracting authority, and by Philippos Psillas, Director of the contracting company SEMESCO COMPANY Ltd, representing the contractor. The new contract forms part of Tender No. 59/2025 and marks the project’s return to an active implementation phase.
Project Budget and Timeline
The total value of the contract amounts to €3,658,449.20 excluding VAT. According to the approved schedule, construction works are to be completed within 12 months from the start date. This means that the main elements of the fishing harbor could be ready as early as next year, provided there are no technical or weather-related delays.
The continuation of the harbor’s construction is part of a broader state-led project for the comprehensive development of the Liopetri River area, implemented within European Union strategic programs aimed at the development of coastal zones and a sustainable blue economy.
European Funding and Strategic Importance
The project is being implemented under the operational programs “Sea 2014–2020” and “Sea, Fisheries and Aquaculture 2021–2027” and is co-financed by the EU’s European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund. This underlines its strategic importance not only for the Famagusta District, but also for Cyprus’s national policy on sustainable coastal development.
According to the relevant authorities, the state is prioritizing projects that simultaneously improve infrastructure, support traditional activities such as fishing, and create new attractions for tourism and local recreation.
Development of Infrastructure Along the Liopetri River
To date, a separate contract related to the modernization of the road network in the project area has already been completed. In the near future, works on pedestrian and bicycle paths along the main traffic artery are expected to be finalized. These elements are expected to significantly improve accessibility and enhance the area’s appeal for both residents and visitors.
Over the coming year, the authorities plan to complete the design of buildings, public spaces, parking areas, a bridge, and associated infrastructure. After the mooring facilities are commissioned, a new construction contract is expected to be signed, covering the remaining phases of the project.
National Park and Environmental Focus
The project’s ultimate goal is the full reconstruction of the fishing harbor and the adjacent Liopetri River area, followed by the establishment of a national park with a strong environmental character. The aim is to create a space that ensures the uninterrupted operation of the fishing shelter, preserves and promotes the natural landscape, and serves as a modern recreational area for residents and visitors alike.
The project includes a comprehensive upgrade of road infrastructure with stormwater drainage and urban sewage systems, relocation of utility networks underground, construction of pedestrian and cycling routes, and the creation of organized mooring facilities with water and electricity connections. Additional plans include the construction of an entrance pavilion and a Fisheries Education Center, as well as a bridge connecting the eastern and western banks of the river.
Significance for the Famagusta Region
The implementation of the Liopetri project is seen as an important step in the development of eastern Cyprus. It has the potential not only to support the local fishing community, but also to stimulate eco-tourism, increase the area’s investment attractiveness, and improve the overall quality of the urban environment. In the long term, the renovated area could become one of the region’s key natural and cultural landmarks, harmoniously combining economic development with environmental protection.