The inauguration of the Kapparis Avenue Improvement project in Paralimni was held today in the Municipality of Paralimni - Deryneia in the presence of the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Mr. Alexis Vafeadis.
In his greeting, the Mayor of Paralimni-Dheryneia, Mr. George Nikolettos, expressed his joy and satisfaction for the completion of an important urban development project that, as he said, “upgrades the road network and contributes to improving the quality of life of residents and visitors”. He emphasized that “this is a project of strategic importance, with comprehensive interventions in terms of traffic, infrastructure and aesthetics, which is part of the broader plan for a modern and sustainable urban environment”.
The Mayor particularly emphasized the “geographical and historical symbolism of the area, noting that the project reaches the dead zone, where freedom meets its violent interruption”. Therefore, as he stated, “the Local Authority intends to rename part of the avenue to Kennedy Avenue, as a tribute of honor and memory to occupied Famagusta”. In closing, he pointed out that “each project is also an act of hope for the day when this road will continue freely towards the heart of our city”.
For his part, the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Mr. Alexis Vafeadis, expressed his joy at his presence at the inauguration of the project to upgrade Kapparis Avenue and parts of Giorki Papadopoulou and Apollonos streets, which he described as of particular importance for the wider area of free Famagusta. He stressed that this is a project that also acquires a symbolic character, as in its extension it meets the well-known Kennedy Avenue of the occupied Municipality of Famagusta.
The Minister referred to the technical and urban planning scope of the project, underlining its contribution to road safety, sustainable mobility and the upgrading of infrastructure. He pointed out that the Government's priority is the improvement of the road network and the gradual upgrading of the area with high added value projects.
In closing, he thanked all the bodies involved, and especially the Department of Public Works, for its decisive role in the coordination and successful completion of the project, while he congratulated the contractors and their partners for its timely and high-quality delivery.
The inauguration was attended, among others, by His Holiness Metropolitan of Constantia and Famagusta, Mr. Vasileios, who performed the consecration with priests of the Holy Metropolis of Constantia and Famagusta.
The project “Improvement of Kapparis Avenue in Paralimni” began on October 7, 2021 and was completed on June 27, 2024 with a contract amount of €6.426.762,00 + VAT.
The Urban Planning - Road Project concerns the improvement of the part of Kapparis Avenue that begins 270 meters north of the existing roundabout and ends in the neutral zone on the border with the city of Famagusta (extension of Kennedy Avenue).
The Project also improved Giorki Papadopoulou Street to a length of approximately 320 m. and Apollonos Street to a length of approximately 150 m. as well as the creation of a new secondary road network of 260 m., opposite Lefkados Street. The remaining side roads falling within the Project boundaries were improved to a length of 25-30 m. from the main road.
Kapparis Avenue includes two lanes of traffic with parking spaces on both sides (parallel parking), paved sidewalks, green lanes and tree basins, a 2.60 m wide bike path on the eastern side of the road, pedestrian crossings and bus stop bays.
As part of the Project, in the last 250 m. approximately, a new roundabout was constructed and Zebra-type pedestrian crossings were installed at thirteen (13) points, which aim to upgrade the level of safety of use of the road in question.
The part of Giorki Papadopoulou Street includes two traffic lanes with sidewalks as well as a bike path on the north side of the road.
A new rainwater drainage network was also constructed, a new sewage network in part of the Project, new irrigation and water supply networks, undergrounding of electricity and telecommunications services and installation of street lighting.
The cost of implementing the Project was covered by 80% by the State and 20% by the Municipality of Paralimni - Deryneia.
