Filenews 24 March 2021 - by Dora Christodoulou
Turbulence and waiting attitude prevails among the municipal authority of Paphos with regard to the developments for the redevelopment of the Leoforos Ellados, after the submission of just one offer. As the 'F' reveals today, he has already addressed the issue at a first meeting of the Paphos Bid Council, which has decided to proceed with the study of the tender submitted, although there are strong voices inside and outside the Council that the fact that only one tender has been submitted will create a question of the legality of its possible award.
The same information also indicates to us that the opening of the file of the sole bidder has shown that the total amount of his tender is very large and in particular 70% higher than the estimated expenditure of the municipal authority.
These two aspects of the redevelopment of one of the most important roads in Paphos seem to be gathering clouds over the Municipal Palace, since in some respects the decision of the Bid Council taken by a majority highlights the risk of the whole process being challenged and the request for the cancellation and re-announcement of the tender.
The project is expected to contribute substantially to the strengthening of commerciality in the area, as well as to the aesthetic and functional upgrading of the city, since in the context of its execution is foreseen, the creation on the avenue beyond 250 parking spaces, the construction of safe sidewalks, the underground cables of all services, tree plantings along the road, construction of a bicycle path and more.
Construction work will be carried out throughout the width of Leoforos Ellados and part of Evagora Pallikarides Avenue, "while the terms of the Competition included provisions to facilitate traffic during the work. The contractor will also have an obligation to ensure access to residential and business premises.
The project monopolized interest in Paphos for some time due to the intense controversy recorded as to whether it would also provide for the construction of a dividing islet. In this case, traders and residents were vertically opposed from the outset, while both the competent government departments and the Municipality of Paphos favoured its construction. However, the constant mobilizations and representations of the local community eventually prompted scholars to remove the islet from the design.
