The project for the Paphos- Polis Chrysochous highway project is expected to be put out to bid for both phases, with the government intending to proceed with the construction of a four-lane highway, as stated by the Minister of Transport, Communications, and Public Works, Evi Tsolaki, during a meeting with the Municipality of Polis Chrysochous and the relevant authorities, which took place at the Municipality’s Cultural Center.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the updated plan, as well as the next steps for advancing the project, which has been pending for decades and is a significant issue for the wider Paphos region and particularly for Polis Chrysochous.
In briefing those present on the design, the Minister stated that it is a four-lane project, noting that land expropriations have already proceeded and no additional time is expected to be required for this process.
At the same time, as she explained, issues regarding the design of the two additional lanes are being addressed using a specific methodology to avoid further delays. In this context, coordination with utility companies has already begun so that they can immediately submit their input to the Ministry regarding the infrastructure and facilities that will need to be installed along the road.
“The goal is for the project to be put out to bid in 2027 for both phases,” the Minister stated, adding that views were exchanged during the meeting on how the process will proceed.
Ms. Tsolaki described the project as having faced significant delays, noting that efforts to implement it began in the 1990s. As she noted, the Ministry is seeking to find the most appropriate solutions to avoid problems that have arisen in the past.
At the same time, she emphasized that the goal is for the project to be put out to bid, for construction to begin, and for it to be completed within the planned timelines.
When asked whether the project is a priority, the Minister replied in the affirmative, noting that it is among the priorities of both the Ministry of Transportation and the President of the Republic. As she stated, regular meetings are being held with President Nicos Christodoulides and officials from the Department of Public Works, with the aim of ensuring the smooth progress and completion of the project without any new problems arising.
Regarding the next procedural steps, Ms. Tsolaki explained that all necessary processes are currently being set in motion to prepare the terms of the call for bids. First, however, the public utility services must submit their opinions; the Ministry is already coordinating with them on this matter.
Subsequently, the tender process will proceed, including the submission and evaluation of bids, as well as the period provided for by law for any appeals before the Tender Review Authority.
The Minister of Transportation acknowledged that this is a complex project, noting that during the previous process, the Bidding Council had to review a large volume of documents, including the qualifications of experts nominated by the companies participating in the tender.
“We are trying to ensure that everything is done properly, so that we do not make any mistakes again that would be costly and result in delays,” he said, emphasizing that the priority is to ensure the process is conducted properly.
The meeting was attended, among others, by the Director General of the Ministry of Transportation and officials from the Department of Public Works. Ms. Tsolaki also noted that she will be in contact with the relevant officials at least once a week to monitor the progress and status of the project.
For his part, the Mayor of Polis Chrysochous, Giotis Papachristofis, noted that the area of Polis Chrysochous is the one most affected by the delay and the unresolved issues surrounding the road’s construction.
As he noted, any past mistakes are expected to be identified so they are not repeated, while he emphasized the need to find the best possible way to move the project forward and ensure that the terms of the bids are properly formulated.
Source: CNA
