On the Larnaca port and marina, an ambitious project aimed turning the coastal town into a major tourist hub, Demetriades said it was among the government’s primary objectives.

The president himself has expressed the desire for the project to go ahead as soon as possible, he added.

It will be the second attempt at inviting tenders for the project, after previous bidder Zenon Consortium failed to find the necessary funds.

The port facilities’ privatisation is also an obligation stemming from a €10bn bailout agreed with the international lenders in 2013.

Last August, President Nicos Anastasiades announced a series of new infrastructure and development projects worth €64m for the town and the district of Larnaca.

They included the construction of new elementary schools and medical centres, a municipal traditional market, a multicultural and sports centre, improvement works on main roads, works for the protection of the beaches, construction of flood barriers, and improvement works for the Larnaca fishing shelter.

On the construction of the Kiti-Mazotos road, Demetriades said the goal was for works to begin in July.

“We expect the contract to be signed soon so that works can commence in the month of July, with a completion timetable of 18 months and at a budget €4.8m.

“It is an important project for the area and we are particularly pleased it can go ahead at long last,” he said.

The project had become entangled due to appeals by the bidders.

Source: Cyprus Mail