Trozena, Cyprus. Arsos community president Giannis Giannakis on Tuesday rejected what he called misinformation about the redevelopment of the abandoned village of Trozena, describing it as a response to decades of state neglect. He said the project is intended to support economic and social revival in Trozena and neighbouring communities.
Press conference addresses public debate
Speaking at a press conference in the village square attended by representatives of surrounding villages, Giannakis said the gathering aimed to respond to misinformation and highlight the broader issue of rural abandonment in Cyprus.
Claims of long-term state neglect
Giannakis described Trozena as an example of state indifference, saying the village’s abandonment was largely due to a lack of basic infrastructure, particularly electricity. He said successive governments and the electricity authority had promised electrification, but it did not proceed due to cost and state budget constraints, leading residents to leave.
Employment and regional impact
Giannakis said the redevelopment offers a rare opportunity for economic and social revival for Trozena, Arsos and nearby communities affected by depopulation and economic stagnation. He said about 10 families from Arsos are already employed through the project and estimated that more than 50 people will work there once it is complete.
Wildfire-related commitment
He said that due to the sensitivity of the surrounding forest area and recent wildfire concerns, the investor has committed to providing a permanent firefighting vehicle for the area.
Ayios Georgios church and public access
Giannakis rejected allegations that the church of Ayios Georgios had been sold or faced demolition, saying the investor funded maintenance work, improved the surrounding area, installed modern toilet facilities and agreed to allocate part of the parking area to the municipality for public use. He also dismissed claims that public access had been restricted, saying Trozena is land of the Republic and that no investor or private owner could prevent access through public roads.
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