Nicosia mayor urges wider public input on new local plan

Nicosia, Cyprus. Nicosia mayor Charalambos Prountzos on Friday called for greater public participation in consultations on the city’s new local plan, with particular emphasis on involving younger people.

“Participation is a sign of a healthy society,” Prountzos said.

Previous consultations

Prountzos said important suggestions had been submitted during two previous consultations, held at the Melina Merkouri hall in central Nicosia and the municipal theatre in Ayios Dhometios.

The meetings were organised to explain the process to residents and organised groups and to gather their views on the new local plan.

He described the consultations as “excellent”, saying each lasted more than three hours. The sessions included a 20-minute presentation by the municipality’s advisers, followed by public input.

Submission options

The mayor said the consultations had been fully recorded. The municipality has also created a QR code and online link for residents to submit their views.

Comments can also be submitted through the town planning department’s Ippodamos platform.

Prountzos described the consultations as a “necessary step in the right direction” and said participation had so far been relatively good.

Focus on young people

He said there was room for improvement, particularly in participation by younger people. The municipality also intends to encourage broader involvement by making digital tools available to residents.

“Participation is a central policy in an era of disengagement and social alienation,” he said.

Next stage

Prountzos said the municipality has the largest technical department in Cyprus, comprising an urban planner, two transport planners, architects, engineers and other specialists.