"I am willing to discuss the master plan for the construction and operation of the new Central Prison in the Agios Sozomenos area with local government officials," says Minister of Justice Konstantinos Fytiris. Speaking on the Alpha Kalimera program about the reactions of the municipalities of South Nicosia-Idali and Latsia-Gerio, Mr. Fytiris explained that they will be able to submit their recommendations and proposals for the smooth operation of the correctional facility, as well as possible changes “that do not affect the daily lives of residents.”
“The site has been selected; it is far from the residential area. As the mayor says, yes, it is a disadvantaged area. But it won’t burden it further; on the contrary, it will upgrade and enhance the area. And that is our goal. The prison will be a closed facility and will not burden residents with disturbances. It is seven kilometers away from residential areas.”
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The Minister of Justice wondered why there has been such a strong backlash against the new Central Prison, which has been operating in the “heart” of Nicosia for the past hundred years without complaints from local residents.
“Except for when the system that blocks cell phone signals was installed. The correctional facility is, I would say, a development project and will not cause any disturbance or change the lives of residents. Especially since it’s located between a quarry and a system of sewage reservoirs.”
READ ALSO: Instead of farms… Prisons: Here is the 3,152,137 m² plot where the new Central Prisons will be built amid public backlash
When asked about the criteria for selecting this specific site, Mr. Fytiris replied that they had sought a large plot of state-owned land outside Nicosia. He also explained why the original plan to build the new Central Prison in Mathiatis was abandoned.
“There is no infrastructure in Mathiatis. We brought in the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; they inspected the site, and what they told us is that there would be high costs for the road network, electricity transmission, sewage, and water supply. In Agios Sozomenos, there are high-voltage power poles, which helps us reduce costs; there is existing infrastructure and a road network. These are the factors. The correctional facility has to be built somewhere, and this is the best option.”
“As soon as we have the initial plans, we’ll hold the necessary consultations with the local community,” the Minister of Justice assured “so they can tell us exactly what concerns them, and if there’s anything that can be changed, we’ll change it.”
“There is indeed a permit from the KOA, but we will only be using a portion of the plot. There are no other binding commitments regarding this specific plot.”
The Minister of Justice emphasized that the project is “in the public interest” and that there should be no opposition, noting that the government is also planning to simultaneously renovate the historic church of Agios Sozomenos so that it can be opened to visitors.
SEE ALSO: “Outcry” over the new prisons in Agios Sozomenos; local authorities are calling for the decision to be revoked
