**€2.3 Million Nicosia Flood Prevention Project Set to Commence**
A significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing flood prevention measures in Nicosia is set to begin, as announced by the Nicosia district government organization (EOA) on Friday. The €2.3 million initiative will focus on repairing and reinforcing a stormwater culvert that has been in place for approximately 50 years beneath Digeni Akrita Avenue.
The culvert, which channels the Kotsirkas river, is located between the junctions of Kallipoleos and Larnakos avenues. Over the decades, the structure has faced issues of corrosion and deterioration, prompting the need for modern reinforcement techniques. The project will utilize advanced reinforced concrete methods to ensure the culvert's durability and functionality.
Constantinos Yiorkadjis, chairman of the EOA, highlighted that the organization identified the culvert's condition after taking over stormwater management responsibilities. Concerns regarding the safety of vehicles traveling above the culvert on Digeni Akrita Avenue were also a driving factor in prioritizing this project.
The contract for the project, valued at €2,259,499 plus VAT, has been awarded to C. Roushas Trading and Development Ltd. The completion of the project is expected to take approximately 28 weeks. Funding for the initiative will be shared, with two-thirds of the cost covered by the state and the remaining portion financed by the EOA through stormwater fees collected from property owners. Yiorkadjis noted that the EOA collects around €2 million annually, which is earmarked for addressing key problem areas across the Nicosia district.
"Our goal is to carry out interventions at crucial problematic points every year, so that the situation improves and the likelihood of flooding is reduced," Yiorkadjis stated. He acknowledged past delays and shortcomings in addressing stormwater infrastructure but emphasized the organization's commitment to resolving existing issues.
In addition to the current project, Yiorkadjis indicated that further work in the Archangelos area is planned for next year. The EOA is also pursuing progress on other flood prevention initiatives that have been under central government responsibility for an extended period. These projects include works in Dali and the construction of retention ponds in Engomi and Navarinou Avenue.
The collaboration between the Nicosia municipality and the EOA has been reinforced in light of recent flooding incidents. Municipal officials have expressed their commitment to supporting the EOA's efforts rather than shifting responsibility. "Nicosia municipality is represented in the organization and therefore wants it to succeed in its work," said Prountzos, a municipal representative. He added that both entities are working together to address long-standing issues related to stormwater management.
The urgency of these infrastructure improvements has been underscored by the extreme weather events that struck Cyprus on August 29, leading to significant damage in the Nicosia district. Preliminary reports indicate that 183 homes were affected, prompting the cabinet to approve financial assistance for uninsured homeowners, with eligible individuals able to receive up to €20,000 for structural damage.
As the EOA embarks on this crucial project, the public will be kept informed about traffic arrangements during construction. Coordination with local police and the Nicosia municipality will ensure that disruptions are minimized and safety is prioritized throughout the project’s duration.
This €2.3 million investment in flood prevention infrastructure represents a proactive step towards enhancing the resilience of Nicosia's stormwater management systems, with the aim of reducing the risk of flooding and improving overall public safety in the area.