Nicosia municipality rejects criticism over Ledra and Onasagorou redevelopment

Nicosia, Cyprus. Nicosia municipality on Thursday rejected what it called “inaccurate reports and personal attacks” against the mayor and municipal staff by traders and residents opposing the redevelopment of Ledra and Onasagorou streets. It said it remained committed to dialogue and cooperation with those affected.

Committee demands mayor’s resignation

The statement followed a demand on Wednesday by a committee representing shopkeepers and residents of Nicosia’s historic centre for Mayor Charalambos Prountzos to resign.

The committee accused him of mishandling the public consultation. It also claimed that a contract worth tens of thousands of euros with consultancy firm PwC, paid for with municipal funds, was intended to “buy the result” against small businesses and residents.

Municipality defends consultation

The municipality said at least four meetings had been held with representatives of store managers’ associations and the recently formed committee. It said specialised consultants had been engaged through the planned public procurement procedure to conduct the dialogue and process its results.

The municipality said those affected had been informed of the project’s proposals and technical details. It added that their concerns had been recorded so measures could be taken to limit the impact of the works on businesses and residents.

Funding and timetable

The municipality said it had secured €10.8 million for the project, titled “Renovation of pedestrian walkways on Ledra and Onasagorou streets”, through the Green Line revitalisation programme. The programme is a state-funded scheme run by the interior ministry to regenerate neglected areas of old Nicosia along the divide.

The project has three phases. Facade restoration is under way, construction on the second phase is due to begin next month, and road reconstruction remains under study.