WORK ON the reconstruction of the Piale Pasha road in Larnaca is underway, Larnaca Mayor Andreas Louroutziatis has announced.
The mayor said the €7.8 million project to completely renovate the road between the Finikoudes Promenade and Mackenzie Beach started on Monday, despite the fact one restaurant owner has refused to budge.
According to Louroutziatis, compensation has been agreed for four restaurant owners to allow the demolition of their establishments and their relocation to Mackenzie beach.
Three owners have cooperated with the municipality, the mayor said, adding that they are having “a small issue” with one restaurant owner who refuses to move, resulting in the Electricity Authority having to cut his electricity supply.
The Larnaca municipality is now working with the Interior Ministry towards requisitioning the outlet so work can continue on the project, expected to be completed within 18 months.
Louroutziatis noted with “great joy” the start of the project, saying it not only concerns fixing up the road network, but also upgrading the entire beach front from Finikoudes.
The renovation aims to make the road more pedestrian friendly and attractive with a cycle lane, access for the disabled, beach walkways, new lighting and a green area. It is one of 15 ambitious multi-million euro development projects announced by the town’s tourism board last year, which promise to change the face of Larnaca over the next five years.
The project was awarded to Nemesis construction company, and is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, the state and Larnaca municipality.
The 2km road has two distinct parts: the historical segment from the fort – next to Larnaca’s landmark Finikoudes promenade – to Tapa Hana park and the modern segment from the park onwards to Mackenzie. The works will include a complete overhaul of the sewerage, communications and electricity systems.
The historical part will be built like a square with a low wayside, a strip of greenery, pavements on either side, a bike lane along the seafront and new lighting. To protect the road from sea corrosion and the public from any threatening waves, plans include building a protective platform and installing a clear screen going up 1.2 metres along the strip.
Regarding the “arbitrary” construction of bars and restaurants on Mackenzie beach, Louroutziatis said he is waiting for the Attorney-general to submit his legal opinion to the Interior Ministry on the proposal for the municipality to take over the beach’s management to ensure a more “comprehensive and rational use of space”.
Cyprus Mail
