The first Green Community of Kato Pyrgos has been presented by President Christodoulides during a full day visit in the area, accompanied by his Cabinet.
During the 7 December visit he announced projects worth a total of €55 million for Tillyria and Polis Chrysochous areas and €50 million for the expansion of the port of Latchi, which will be undertaken by the Ports Authority.
President said that the first Green Community on the island is an important step towards achieving climate neutrality and sustainable development. He stressed the importance of the project , which aims not only to improve the daily lives of residents, but also to protect the environment and upgrade the quality of life.
The Green Community in Kato Pyrgos is part of the broader plan for Cyprus’ transition towards a more sustainable and energy-self-sufficient society, the President noted.
He described the project as “a pioneering one that includes a series of innovative actions, with the main objective of creating a climate-neutral model.” As part of the project, among other things, solar panels will be installed in 100 premises, which will significantly reduce energy costs for residents and contribute to the energy autonomy of the area. The project has a cost of €2.2 million.
As regards the waste management, the area will have a Green Pavilion, a Green Spot and a Community Composter, which will reduce solid and organic waste and contribute to the production of soil improvement materials.
President Christodoulides announced that the creation of a wastewater collection network and treatment plant, with a budget of €10 million, will enhance public health, while protecting the aquifer and improving water management infrastructure.
The Green Community will also have electric vehicle charging points and a 1.8 km pedestrian and cycle path to encourage sustainable mobility and enhance the use of clean transport.
The President noted that the broader Tillyria Revitalisation Plan aims to strengthen the region through infrastructure projects, tourism development, support for the primary sector and improvement of the daily lives of residents.
He said that investments are expected in the health and education sectors as well.
The President also visited Polis Chrysochous, pledging that he is there with his Ministers to address long overdue issues and announce projects that are in the implementation stage.
The President noted that these visits demonstrate the importance the government attaches to the region and its political will to proceed with the revitalisation of all regions.
He said that the Government will upgrade the Hospital in the area which will include an Accidents and Emergency department, laboratories and radiology departments.
He also referred to the upgrade of the schools in the area and to projects for the sports sector and for the elderly.
President Christodoulides also said that the Government is investing in Renewable Energy Sources and smart irrigation systems, through projects with a total budget of €7 million.
Projects also include the Anti-Seismic Assessment study, strengthening fishing and aquaculture communities and the set up of a Marine Biodiversity and Turtle Information Center.
The total cost for projects in the area reach €85 million, including the expansion of the port.
He said that the termination of the contract for Paphos-Polis road “was an unpleasant development but could not be avoided”, adding that the government will carry on to complete the project in its entirety.
(Source: CNA)
