Government to unveil housing plan aimed at doubling Troodos and Tillyria population

Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides said a new housing plan for mountain communities will be unveiled within days, with the aim of doubling the population of the Troodos region and Tillyria over the next decade.

He announced the target at an awards ceremony for outstanding graduates from mountain communities at the presidential residence, saying the population of 160 communities stood at about 32,000 and should reach 64,000.

Housing target

Christodoulides said the population goal would be set jointly with local community leaders.

The housing plan was prepared by the housing commissioner and the interior ministry following consultations with residents of mountain communities, he said.

Housing schemes

The president said that since taking office, the government had announced more than 10 housing schemes, invested more than €300 million and had more than 5,500 new housing units under development.

Education in remote communities

Christodoulides also referred to measures to maintain education infrastructure in remote areas, including the decision to keep Kampos primary school open when it had one pupil.

He said secondary schools also operated small orientation classes with as few as two students, adding that the state had an obligation to provide equal opportunities in education, health and welfare regardless of where citizens chose to live.

Support for young families

Christodoulides referred to a three-year programme worth €3 million, funded by Helleniq Energy and EKO, to provide financial assistance to more than 200 young families in Troodos and Tillyria.

The programme will also provide free breakfasts for 660 children attending public pre-schools in the two areas.