Nicosia: Evantia Tsolaki officially took over as Cyprus' Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, succeeding Alexis Vafeades during a handover ceremony at the Ministry. The outgoing Minister expressed a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to serve, while Tsolaki acknowledged the significant responsibilities she now shoulders, noting that Vafeades had set high standards during his tenure.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Vafeades reflected on his time in office, expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him by the President and the support received from Ministry officials. He emphasized the importance of the collaborative efforts of the staff, which he believes will continue under Tsolaki's leadership. Vafeades praised Tsolaki as a capable successor committed to advancing the Ministry's initiatives with dedication and integrity.
Tsolaki highlighted the strong bond between Vafeades and the Ministry's staff, attributing it to trust, respect, and mutual appreciation. She commended Vafeades for his significant contributions and stated her intent to maintain the momentum he established. Tsolaki recognized the high expectations set by her predecessor and expressed her commitment to completing ongoing projects and setting new priorities.
The new Minister mentioned receiving an initial briefing from department heads and emphasized her readiness to continue the Ministry's work alongside officials and department leaders.
Addressing questions about the Takata airbag controversy, Vafeades reiterated his gratitude and clarified that an inquiry committee had already determined responsibility. He noted ongoing reviews and public consultations initiated by the Department of Road Transport to address procedural deviations over the past 15 years. Vafeades expressed hope for the resolution of the matter once the relevant bills are discussed in Parliament.
Vafeades also highlighted projects aimed at supporting rural communities by improving access to essential services. When asked about traffic congestion solutions, particularly in Limassol, Tsolaki mentioned ongoing projects, including discussions with the Limassol Municipality regarding a northern bypass. She emphasized the Ministry's commitment to alleviating traffic issues.