Almost a year after the previous contract was terminated, construction of the Liopetri fishing harbor and the development of the Liopetri riverfront are back on track. The Ministry of Interior, through the Land Department, has launched a new tender. According to documents published in the government’s electronic procurement system, the new contractor will be responsible for completing and refining previously started works, including the construction of piers and shoreline reinforcement.
Applications for the tender are accepted until November 14, 2025. The total duration of the contract is 18 months, with the possibility of a six-month extension. The estimated cost of this phase is €72,000 excluding VAT, while the entire project is valued much higher — around €3.6 million.
Scope and Objectives of the Project
The primary goal of the resumed works is to complete the fishing harbor and enhance the riverside area, transforming it into a modern and safe space for fishermen, tourists, and local residents.
The first phase includes:
- Installation of metal piles in the riverbed
- Mounting concrete beams and wooden decking
- Cladding of pier structures
- Construction of flood protection measures
- Organization of parking facilities
- Installation of lighting
- Construction of small wooden storage buildings
This phase is part of a broader program to develop the eastern Cyprus coastal areas, aimed at increasing tourist appeal and improving conditions for small-scale fishing operations.
Why the Previous Contract Was Terminated
The original contract, signed in 2020, covered a project valued at €8.1 million over 30 months. Despite multiple deadline extensions totaling 22 months, the contractor failed to maintain adequate progress.
In November 2024, the Ministry of Interior, led by Konstantinos Ioannou, officially ended the collaboration with the previous contractor. The Audit Office report confirmed the termination was justified, citing systematic delays, low productivity, and violations of contractual terms.
Prospects and Regional Significance
The resumption of the Liopetri fishing harbor reconstruction is strategically important for the region. The project will serve as both a key infrastructure facility and a new tourist destination. Upon completion, the harbor will combine functions as a fishing pier, promenade, and recreational area, enhancing the coastal zone’s attractiveness and creating new jobs for local residents.
Additionally, the project aligns with Cyprus’s sustainable development policy, aimed at improving coastal ecosystems and enhancing safety in seaside communities. Local authorities are already considering the future establishment of an ecological center and a marine tourism zone within the harbor area, further strengthening Liopetri’s position as a modern coastal resort.