A mobilization regarding the future development of the Larnaca port, marina, and surrounding land will take place today at 6:00 PM. The gathering is set for the area between the roundabout and the Larnaca Port entrance on Meli Nicolaidi Street.

As announced during a press conference on Monday by the Mayor of Larnaca and President of the City and District Development Committee, Andreas Vyras, and the President of the Larnaca Provincial Self-Government Organization, Angelos Hadjicharalambous, the mobilization was unanimously decided upon on April 17. The committee noted that two years after the termination of the contract with KITION, no substantial progress has been made, nor has a clear plan been presented.

The goal of the mobilization is to send a clear message that there is no more time to waste on new studies or delays. It aims to clarify that the port uses must remain those unanimously approved by the Municipal Council and the Development Committee—details of which were sent to the Ministry of Transport on June 29, 2023. Furthermore, it must be clear that the project must include the development of the surrounding land with uses determined by the city itself; the city will not accept proposals restricting the land exclusively to port and marina operations, a move reportedly suggested by the Ministry.

Additionally, the city demands that the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Works fulfill its commitment to submit a specific proposal within one to two months. This proposal should include a preliminary master plan for the port, marina, and land, the estimated implementation cost, the financing scheme (including potential involvement of the Ports Authority), and a clear timeline for execution.

As stated during the press conference, today's mobilization is the first step, and further measures will be taken if the city's demands are not met.

Source: CNA (ΚΥΠΕ)