Larnaca, Cyprus. Protesters in Larnaca called for an end to delays surrounding the town’s port and marina development, urging an immediate examination of proposals. Political figures said the project should be put back on track and pressed the state to implement it.
Demonstration in Europe Square
Protesters gathered in Europe Square on Saturday afternoon calling for “an end to the stagnation and mockery” around developing the port and marina. They said proposals should be examined immediately so development can begin, adding that the projects have already been “accepted by society”.
They held banners reading: “Larnaca demands the development it deserves. No more delay,” “We demand the projects you showed us for a nice city”, “Major projects mean jobs, economic activity, increase in tourism support for businesses”, and “Enough mockery of projects”.
Demetriou: project affects all of Cyprus
Disy president Annita Demetriou told protesters that unity was needed in support of the project “for Larnaca, for the future it deserves, for every citizen”. She said the project, which had already reached an advanced stage, affected the whole of Cyprus.
“We want answers but we also want solutions,” Demetriou said. “For something that will benefit Larnaca, our Cyprus, we are all united together.”
She said the issue has been discussed many times in the House, and questioned “how a mature project has been wrecked and we are back to zero”. She added that interest in restarting the project has nothing to do with elections.
Karousos cites €1.2 billion investment
Former minister of works and current Famagusta district government Yiannis Karousos, who signed the initial contracts for the project, told the people of Larnaca they had been wronged.
“It is an investment of €1.2 billion which would benefit the economy on an annual basis of €125 million, and you can calculate what this means in terms of jobs, redevelopments, and everything else that will exist and Larnaca,” Karousos said. “This project should not have been cancelled.”
District governor calls for pressure on the state
District governor of Larnaca Angelos Hadjicharalambous called for pressure to be put on the state to implement the port and marina project.
What do you think should happen next to move the Larnaca port and marina project forward?
