The Limassol Municipality has approved a €19 million budget for the development of the city until 2025.
According to Mayor Yannis Armeftis, the funds will be used to cover debt obligations, interest payments and the actuarial deficit of the pension fund. He stressed that the main objective is to improve the quality of life of citizens and to boost the city's infrastructure. Particular attention will be paid this year to accessibility and the creation of a pleasant urban environment.
Traffic congestion remains one of Limassol's biggest challenges. Therefore, a significant part of the budget will be spent on improving the road network, cleanliness, landscaping, animal care and the modernisation of the coastal area. Although, according to the Mayor, "there are no magic solutions", the municipality is laying the foundations for achieving its goals by adhering to the principles of sound financial management. Armeftis also thanked the council for unanimously approving the budget.
The priority areas on which the allocated budget will be spent include:
- Landscaping and beautification. 4.16 million has been allocated for the development of public spaces, parks and green areas - 63% more than in 2024. Funding for the reconstruction of squares and parks will increase fivefold, from 320 thousand euros to 1.5 million euros. An additional 50,000 euros will be spent on the maintenance of public toilets, and the Cerkezo district will receive 30,000 euros for the renovation of its public spaces.
- Development of sports infrastructure. In 2025, 336,000 euros will be earmarked for the modernisation of sports facilities, while 300,000 euros will go towards the construction of the Versailles Renaissance Stadium. In the Mesa Geitonia neighbourhood, new squares and parks will be built to the tune of €200,000 and €100,000 will be spent on renovating 23 existing parks.
- Urban infrastructure and cleanliness. 100,000 euros will be allocated to the renovation of squares in the historic centre, while the renovation of municipal buildings will cost 150,000 euros. The municipality will strengthen its cleanliness measures by purchasing new cleaning equipment: two articulated lorries with high-pressure cleaners, one tanker, two sweepers and three garbage trucks. The total cost of this equipment will be 900,000 euros.
- Coastal area. The budget for the modernisation of the coast will triple: from 710.9 thousand euros in 2024 to 2.16 million euros in 2025.
- Animal welfare. Additional funds will be allocated to animal welfare: 50,000 euros for animal shelters, 40,000 euros for a sterilisation programme for stray animals and 10,000 euros for information campaigns.
- Organising the work of the municipality. The authorities plan to optimise the work of the municipal administration by hiring 20 new specialists and creating separate units for the management of municipal property and public spaces.
Municipal revenues from taxes, rental income and compensation payments are also expected to increase from €67.45 million in 2024 to €75.72 million in 2025.
Interest and loan repayments will amount to €8.5 million, while capital expenditure will be €37 million. Thus, Limassol's 2025 budget focuses on the development of the city and increasing the comfort of its residents, making it an even more attractive place to live and do business.