Larnaca: The projects for the separate development of Larnaca port and marina will be carried out by the Cyprus Ports Authority, which has the funds, in cooperation with the state, so that they can be implemented as soon as possible and serve the needs of the market without risk, said Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Alexis Vafeades on Friday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, speaking in Larnaca after the presentation of the study for the development of the Larnaca marina and port by the Greek Superfund, at a meeting of the City and District Development Committee, the Minister said that "when the contract with the Kition company ended, we promised Larnaca that we would study what the next day would be for these critical infrastructures. Today, the experts who have studied these two functions presented their recommendations and proposed some specific actions."
The Minister emphasized the need for the projects to meet market needs, be sustainable, and reduce risk. He highlighted the importance of state involvement to ensure control over the implementation and avoid past failures experienced over the last two decades. The projects aim for rapid execution via a legal tendering process, utilizing local resources rather than foreign funds, with decisions made by the Ports Authority.
Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras remarked on the various proposals, including the Minister's, for progressing with the port and marina. He stressed the significance of community input, proposing a municipal meeting and another Development Committee session for written submissions from all represented bodies. The Mayor expressed interest in further development of the land area, beyond the port improvements, to benefit the city.
The Greek Superfund study presentation, led by Stelios Zervos of the Public Works Department, outlined three options for development. The recommended second option for both the port and marina includes improvement works on the northern quay of the port and the expansion of the marina's northern harbour basin with floating docks, aiming to enhance capacity and meet future needs.