Many questions continue to arise about the progress of the Liopetri River formation works, as no one can say with certainty when the project, which is already a year behind schedule, will be completed.
The heavily advertised project, which is one of the largest concerning the fishing sector in Cyprus, was supposed to be delivered in March 2023.
However, it has been going from one extension to another.
As the Liopetri community leader, Vassos Manolis, told Phileleftheros, the contractor has requested another extension until July to deliver the project.
Nevertheless, it is not expected that the works will be completed by then.
“I do not believe the project will be completed by summer because we were informed that only 53%-55% of the works have been completed so far. I consider it very challenging for the contractor to complete the remaining tasks in the next quarter and deliver the project,” Manolis pointed out.
The works on the site, estimated at €11 million, started in September 2020 and were supposed to be completed a year ago.
Along the way, delays occurred, which, according to public statements by the Department of Urban Planning and Housing, were considered justified due to the discovery of archaeological finds. Thus, the completion of the project was postponed to November 30, 2023.
Last December, the Urban Planning Department approved another extension for the contractor, which expires at the end of March.
Information from Phileleftheros suggests that the Interior Minister is expected to convene a broad consultation on the matter in the presence of the Agriculture Minister and local authorities, where two options will be discussed.
One concerns granting a new extension to the contractor, and the other involves terminating the contract and re-issuing the tender.
The significant delays in the project are causing adverse effects on approximately 30 fishermen operating in the area, as well as the owners of two large restaurants, as until recently, there was no access to them.
“What we want is for the project to be completed,” said the Liopetri community leader, noting that in the coming days, the road leading to the river is expected to be completed and one of the restaurants to open.
“There was a period when the works had stopped. Now, at least, they are working, and we want the road to open so people can access the area.”
Due to the delays, the funding of the project is also at risk, 75% of which will be covered by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.
When and if the works are completed, the fishing refuge will have a capacity for approximately 110 boats.
The works included in the area, according to the plan, involve, among other things, the construction of wooden jetties, a boat lifting/lowering ramp, a slipway, and storage spaces for professional fishermen.
