Work at Lefka aqueduct completed, 4 more projects are nearly completed
The project for the conservation of the remains of a watermill and its aqueduct in Lefka has been completed, according to the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage.
At the same time, the co-president of the bicommunal Committee, Sotos Ktoris, told CNA, in the near future, work on four other projects is expected to be completed.
In a press release, the Technical Committee said, the conservation project at the remains of a watermill and its aqueduct in Lefka has been completed. The site is believed to date back to the Venetian period. The project was funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The watermill and its aqueduct were a vital element of the water network in the area and the production and processing of grain from the Venetian period and throughout the Ottoman period. Located in the south of the community of Lefka, the watermill is part of the water management system of its valley and operated as a flourmill.
The conservation work has ensured the extension of the life of an important pre-industrial heritage site and its preservation for future generations.
The works included the removal of damaging vegetation from the structure and the immediate surroundings of the monument, the replacement of destroyed stones and a limited completion of the structure to ensure its static efficiency.
The arch of the aqueduct was carefully dismantled and reassembled to repair static damage, cracks were repaired, deep grout was applied to restore the binding mortar and was subsequently coated to protect the structure from rain. Every aspect of the conservation process was carried out “with due care and respect for the historicity of the monument,” the statement said.
As a result of this comprehensive effort, “the water tower of the Lefka watermill with its aqueduct stands today preserved, symbolizing our commitment to the preservation and preservation of the rich cultural heritage of Cyprus,” the press release concluded.
Greek Cypriot co-chair of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage told CNA that in the immediate future, works are expected to be completed at the church of St. Sergious and Vacchus in Neta, the Arif Bey aqueduct in Afania, the Lefkara Mosque and the church of Archangel Michael in Rizokarpaso.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 percent of the island’s territory.
Since 2012, with the support of the EU and UNDP, the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage conserved, structurally supported, physically protected or restored 33 heritage sites island wide, including Orthodox, Maronite and Armenian churches, mosques and minarets, fortifications, hammams, aqueducts and watermills.
Additionally, 23 sites island wide benefited from simple, non-structural, small-scale works such as internal and external site cleaning, removal of vegetation from roofs and walls, minor repairs, replacement of doors, fences and windows. Conservation designs for future projects are ready for an additional 40 sites.
