The Public Works Department is expediting the preparation of new tender documents for the first phase of the Paphos-Polis road, aiming to announce the tender as soon as possible, according to director Eleftherios Eleftheriou.
Following the termination of the contract with contractor INTRAKAT, the department conducted a detailed record of the work completed to finalise the account and assess the remaining tasks for inclusion in a new contract.
“Our goal is to issue, award, and complete the project within the next three years, as promised,” Eleftheriou stated.
When asked if the ministry of transport would seek compensation for any additional costs incurred from reassigning the project to a different contractor, Eleftheriou clarified that any cost differences arising from the new contract would indeed be claimed, as stipulated by the original agreement with the previous contractor.
Regarding the second phase of the project, Eleftheriou said preparations are underway, including drafting documents for engaging consultants who will oversee the design and construction. Concurrently, the department is working on finalising the expropriation process. He assured that the second phase remains unaffected by developments in the first phase, as both phases are being executed independently.
“Our aim is to have everything ready as promised, so that by late 2025 or early 2026, the tender for the second phase can be issued, with work expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026,” he added, describing the project as “absolutely necessary.”
Responding to further questions, Eleftheriou noted that the department is currently managing 70 contracts, none of which – apart from the terminated INTRAKAT agreement – are at risk of cancellation under current conditions.
He emphasised that the public works department, in collaboration with the ministry of transport, is committed to managing contracts efficiently to ensure projects are completed and delivered to the public as intended.
Meanwhile, President of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce (Keve), Andreas Demetriades, highlighted the urgent need to accelerate pending infrastructure projects in Paphos, noting delays that are causing significant financial losses both locally and nationally.
Demetriades specifically referred to the Paphos-Polis road, urging the Ministry of Transport to fast-track the tendering process so that construction can resume and simultaneously initiate the next phase of the project. Ideally, he suggested both phases should be tendered together if possible.
Regarding the Paphos marina in the Potima area of Kissonerga, Demetriades revealed that a preliminary call for expressions of interest has been issued, with a deadline of 25 January 2025.
“For such a tender to succeed, it must include a company with experience managing marinas in Europe or neighbouring countries, a construction company with expertise in marina development, a real estate firm experienced in marina property sales, and, of course, a financial backer,” Demetriades emphasised.
