Ayios Photios, Cyprus. The government is seeking practical solutions to challenges facing communities in the Troodos mountains, with improved connectivity, road safety and access to essential services identified as key priorities. Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades outlined the approach during a meeting with representatives of Paphos highland communities in Ayios Photios.
Government priorities
Vafeades said the government’s objective was “to help people, to solve problems and combat urban sprawl and to improve connectivity”.
He said connectivity involved “not only a better road network but also a better bus service”.
Dialogue with local communities
Vafeades said local leaders were best placed to identify the daily challenges facing residents, describing them as “on the front lines” and saying they understood community needs better than anyone else.
He pledged ongoing dialogue with residents, stating “we are here to listen to record” and adding that issues capable of immediate resolution would be addressed, while longer-term concerns would be documented and pursued through continuous engagement.
Addressing urban migration
Responding to questions about efforts to counter urban migration, the minister said access to healthcare, employment and education remained fundamental to encouraging families to remain in rural areas.
He said all government departments were working within their respective responsibilities to strengthen services and improve public access to them.
Troodos strategy
Mountainous community development commissioner Charalambos Christofinas said a national strategy for the Troodos range was already in place and centred on three policy priorities.
He said these included quality access to healthcare, equal opportunities in education and training, and improvements to road infrastructure and transport services.
While acknowledging progress in all three areas, Christofinas said “the state must go even further” and emphasised the importance of identifying both immediate and future solutions.