More than 122 million euros will be invested in the development of Free neighbourhoods in Famagusta

A regional meeting was held in Paralimni on Thursday 13 February, during which Cypriot President Nicos Christodoulidis announced a major programme to develop the free areas of Famagusta.

In particular, the leader of the island state said that the government intends to invest more than 122 million euros in the region's road infrastructure, improvement, economy, business, tourism, education, social sphere and culture. All this money will be used to implement important initiatives that will increase the attractiveness of the free neighbourhoods of Famagusta and improve the quality of life of local residents.

In his speech, the Cypriot President also focused on the high cost of electricity and the shortage of labour in certain sectors.As a solution, he said the government has developed a series of measures to support businesses, including a tax reform aimed at increasing family incomes and strengthening the middle class.

In addition, the authorities plan to develop energy storage programmes and revise the strategy for attracting foreign specialists. Economic support for entrepreneurs will include funding for local government projects and the creation of a craft park in Dasaki-Ahna to develop small businesses.

The list announced by Christodoulidis included the following projects:

1. Improvement and modernisation of the coastal area of Ayia Napa (€3.6 million);
2. Repair of the road linking Vrisoudiou Street with Piniia Street in Paralimni (€4 million);
3. Construction of the road from the Agios Panteleimonas roundabout to the church of Agia Varvara in Paralimni (€5 million);
4. the second phase of the modernisation of the section linking the roads ofStadiou, Yakoumi Papadopoulos and Korai streets in Paralimni (€14 million);
5. the fourth phase of the renovation of the coastal pedestrian area in Protaras (€18 million);
6. Rehabilitation of the central road to Avgorou on Karon Avenue (€9 million);
7. Construction of a multi-storey car park in Paralimni (€8 million);
8. Reconstruction of the central part of Frenaros (€1.3 million);
9. Reconstruction of Paralimni Square (€11.2 million);
10. Creation of a multifunctional urban park in Ayia Napa (€5 million);
11. Creation of a linear park in Akeritou (€1 million);
12. Launch of an incentive programme in the hospitality sector (€700,000);
13. Launch of a support programme for local authorities (€300,000);
14. Creation of a craft zone in Dasaki Achnas (€250 000);
15. Modernisation of the Paralimni Gymnasium buildings (€5.5 million);
16. Construction of a new gymnasium in Paralimni, which will function as a sports school (€15 million);
17. The opening of the School of Tourism Education under the MIEEK programme;
18. The conversion of the Ayia Napa Monastery into a museum and the creation of a research centre, library and conference facilities within it (€2.3 million);
19. The construction of a cultural and conference centre in the municipality of Deryneia (€5 million);
20. the opening of an open-air amphitheatre in Avgoru (€1.5 million);
21. Establishment of an autism centre in the free areas of Famagusta (€4 million);
22. Expansion and modernisation of the kindergarten and children's employment centre in Avgorou;
23. Additional work at the Social Support Centre (ΣΚΕ) (€140,000);
24. Intensive rehabilitation programme (1.5 million euros);
25. Modernisation of sports centres in Frenaros, Sotira and Liopetri (EUR 2 million);
26. Construction of a public sports ground in Achna (€2 million).