Konstantinos Ioannou, Minister of Interior, and the Nicosia Chamber of Commerce and Industry gathered and discussed topics related to the development and revitalization of the Nicosia city and district. The meeting was held on Monday.

According to the related statement by the Chamber, topics of discussion included the long-awaited local governance reform and its implementation timeline, the urban sprawl of Nicosia and the government’s decision to build the Ministries of Interior, Transport and Justice in the Archigrammateia area. 

Besides, the local governance reform introduces many brand new legislative regulations and initiatives that form a new landscape in local governance, as well as in the number of elected seats in Cyprus’ municipalities and districts. In view of the next election, which is the municipal one in the spring of 2024, many public and private entities are currently organizing thematic conferences and events in order to inform the public about the impending local governance changes.

Regarding the new buildings that will house the Ministries of Interior, Transport and Justice, the issue was proceeding at a relatively slow pace for the last five years. However, about three months ago, the Council of Ministers approved the spatial plan for the construction of the buildings, in the Archigrammateia area. The total cost was estimated by the Council at 95 million euros. 

The Nicosia Chamber pointed out that if the decision to construct the building that will house the Ministry of Justice is revoked, due to the traffic impact on the area, then the new building should be constructed in another location but still within the capital’s administrative hub, as described in the Nicosia Local Plan.

In addition, the Minister of Interior and the Chamber exchanged views and proposals regarding the upgrade of the city's infrastructure. Incentives to boost local entrepreneurship and grant plans to build student dormitories in the historical center were also on the agenda. Finally, there was an extensive discussion about the Ministry’s management strategy in regard to the increased flow of immigrants and refugees.