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For those of us who keep a close watch on the Famagusta region’s development, it appears that this region is taking a beating by many who either do not appreciate the potential that it has, or there is just an apathy to whatever the region is attempting to do.
This region hosts approximately 36% of the total foreign tourist numbers, it has the best beaches in Cyprus, it attempts through the local Municipalities to provide entertainment at all times (from the local football grounds, the sculpture park, the local museum which hosts the oldest Greek ship reproduced with love and care, the festivities and the tidying up of their finances (now producing a surplus).
Yet it has the shortest tourist season of all tourist resorts.
An attempt has been made over the last couple of years to upgrade the local hotels (80% upgraded) and the construction of new ones, including the proposal of Potamos upgrading, the new open-air theatre, whereas repeated foreign tourists are frequently honoured.
After a long battle with the numerous “conservationists”, the Ayia Napa marina is underway and the first phase expected to be completed in 2019, whereas the smaller Protaras marina seems to be progressing in the securing of its permits.
These and other projects, mainly encouraged by the local Municipalities, (see Ayia Thekla at Liopetri, the widening of the beaches at Protaras, the sea promenade) with little help by others. How on earth this region is to improve its occupancy rates without providing the much-needed facilities it is beyond us.
· The Ayia Napa marina faced original objections for the use of natural stone for the creation of breakwaters (now replaced by concrete cubes) we have by-passed the migrating birds and now this “mislead” group objects to the building of the two sculptures paid by the promoter which, in our opinion, should be okay (such as the deer at Rhodes island, the mermaid at Denmark harbor) and this much to the disappointment of the investor who has paid already €200 mln for the project.
· The golf course in the area, long outstanding for years (mainly due to the promoter’s fault mind you) seems now to be progressing, but now we have the EU objections (instigated by opposing locals).
So, we ask you dear readers what should we look after? The economy of Cyprus, the unemployed, the happiness of the people who live here, or shall we sacrifice all these for preserving nature and aesthetics (the latter being subjective).
It is a fact that where a building project is undertaken the natural environment will suffer be it for projects relating to roads, to airports, housing etc.
So, shall we end development and use oil lambs and donkeys for transportation? It is worth noting that those who usually object to any change are usually those who have well-paid and cushy jobs care least about the economy.
It is also noticeable that proposed new projects in the region such as the new promenade, the piers are okay for others, but not for this region (see the recent cancellation of the seaside pier, whereas beach improvement, which is taking place all over the island from Polis to Larnaca is okay but not for Famagusta).
We have suggested in the past, and we repeat again that the local Municipalities should raise their voice and organise a certain “velvet” revolution to make their voices heard and bring to the attention of the Government and the general public, the inequality of development depending on the region.
Getting together of the local Municipalities of the region is a start.
In ending, we would like to add that this sort of thing does not exist in the Limassol region where the locals, business chambers, organised groups, Municipalities and others act as one for the benefit of the district.
It is no wonder why Limassol attracts most foreign investors and big spenders, upgrading the income of the local residents many times over.
