A loan agreement was signed between the Larnaca Sewerage Authority (SAL) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) at the Ministry of Finance on Friday, December 22.
Under the terms of the agreement, the financial institution will provide SAL with €15 million for the implementation of the fourth phase of the flood control project, which covers the municipalities of Aradippou and Livadia, as well as the communities of Oroklini and Pila. The documents were certified by Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras on SAL's side and by the bank's CEO. It should be noted that the preparatory phase of Phase 4 includes the preparation of detailed studies and planning of the sewerage network, as well as the new sewage treatment plant. This is a project of great importance to both citizens and residents of the affected areas. The project confirms that SAL remains true to its mission and vision to promote sustainable development, protect the environment and improve the quality of life of citizens.
According to preliminary estimates, the project will include about 330 kilometers of sewer pipelines, 14 pumping stations and a new power transmission line. At the same time, its total cost is estimated at about 270 million euros. These figures are preliminary and will be updated on the basis of a detailed study to be done as part of the preparatory phase. Now the project is at the stage of preparing tender documents for the procurement of services for the preparation of studies for the subsequent announcement and tendering, supervision of construction contracts.
Recall that earlier the Larnaca Sewerage Authority announced that the first phase of construction of a large-scale storm water system in the city has been completed.
Within the framework of the contract concluded for a total of 1.89 million euros, 3 km of catchment pipes were installed, which will serve the catchment area around Alexandrou Panagouli Avenue. By the way, the flood control system covers the territory on both sides of the avenue. According to the idea, the pipes will collect excess rainwater and direct it to the existing channel of Spiros Kyprianou Avenue.
It should be noted that the project is being realized by the company S. HADJICHRISTOFI CONSTRUCTION LIMITED, which won the relevant tender. According to the study, the probability of flooding in Larnaca after the necessary work will be 1 in 50 (2%). This is assuming that the frequency of rainfall remains unchanged. Further works will include the widening of road bridges in the area of Kalo Chorio, Myrmidonon Street, Limassol Avenue, among others. Embankments and rubble in the Kalo Chorio riverbed on the avenue will be removed.
The project also involves the widening of an open canal in the industrial area of Larnaca and a canal from Archbishopou Paisiou Street to Antheon Street. In addition, a new artificial drain will be constructed to the east of the Vergina neighborhood school. There will be no interference with the Salt Lake ecosystem or the design of the historic aqueduct. The aqueduct will be restored to its original form. The embankments will be removed. This will allow river flow to enter the lake through several openings.