Upgrade project in Troodos progresses with new developments

A special conference was called by the President of the Republic recently to inform the Council of Ministers about the growth of Troodos' mountain settlements and the status of the national strategy for the region. Following this meeting, Charalambos Christofinas, Commissioner for the Development of Mountain Communities, made a number of important announcements.

Following the meeting of the Council of Ministers on July 17, Christofinas outlined a number of significant events. These consist of upgrading the primary healthcare system for people living in the mountainous areas, as well as making improvements to the road network and educational facilities for schools in the mountainous areas.

The improvement of the Troodos regional hospital is one of the noteworthy renovations. It is expected to receive around €1.8 million between 2020 and 2025. In 2024, a programme valued at €680,000 will be implemented to enhance the facility even more.

With an emphasis on tourism and sports facilities in Troodos, Christofinas discussed plans to build an outstanding sports facility in Kyperounda at a cost of around €1.8 million, as well as renovate the Glafcos Clerides Centre in Agros. Significant enhancements will also be made to the other sporting facilities in the area, such as those at Spilia, Ayios Ioannis, Kyvides, and Palaichori. With these efforts, we hope to give young people and other sports-loving individuals better opportunities.

Speaking to the difficulties that mountain communities confront, Christofinas emphasised the cooperation between several ministries in carrying out the development programme and resolving the accumulated problems. One noteworthy project is the construction of a bus station in Saittas, which the Department of Public Works is now designing and expects to be finished by 2026. To link the mountainous areas of Limassol with the airports and the Port of Limassol, another station serving both the general public and students is being planned for the Nicosia area.

In response to the needs of operators of rural tourism, efforts are also being made to support this industry. Furthermore, soon to be disclosed are steps to improve the communities' ability to contain fires.

Major infrastructure projects connecting cities with mountain communities are progressing well. These include the third phase of the Astromeritis-Evrychou road and the road to Palaichori, with the second section of the Denia-Astromeritis road set to commence shortly.

Christofinas emphasized that the development of mountain communities is a comprehensive approach involving multiple ministries. These coordinated meetings aim to address all issues concerning the mountain communities, ensuring the countryside receives the attention and development it deserves.