New Piale Pasha officially inaugurated

Interior Minister Socratis Hasikos on Sunday official inaugurated the revamped Piale Pasha in Larnaca which has seen the area transformed with bicycle lanes, pedestrianisation, parks, green spaces, landscaping and urban furnishings, and works to protect the road from sea erosion.

The project, which began in September 2012 and completed this year, was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. The total cost of the works was 10 million euros.

Hasikos said the project had “redefined the cultural identity of the area and its people”.

“It will have long-term benefits as it will attract investors’ interest in the area, and it will also attract visitors,” he said.

“The revitalisation and improvement of attractiveness of urban areas of Cyprus is a major priority for the interior ministry. A common feature of Cypriot cities is the relatively small size, lack of ‘identity’, the lack of green and open spaces, the lack of public transport, traffic congestion, lack of cultural sites and the deterioration of their historical centres,” he added.

More such project would follow in other towns and cities, Hasikos said.