Filenews 29 January 2022 - by Ioanna Mantzipa
The much-discussed project for the construction of a roundabout of Cafe PARIS, at the intersection of Agia Fylaxeos with Makarios, was discussed on Thursday evening at a meeting held at the Panos Solomonidis Cultural Center. The presentation of the updated design of the project was made by the district engineer of public works, the Town Planning and the Limassol Municipality in an effort to have full and objective information of all stakeholders.
This is a work that has been much talked about for two decades. The plans were drawn up 20 years ago, there are two legal opinions as well as an opinion from the Attorney General in relation to the project. After the reactions on the part of the Limassol School Ephorate, new designs were made that, as mentioned in the meeting, are incorporated into the basic principles of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, while the diameter of the roundabout was reduced from 4,000 to 2,100 sq.m.
The meeting was attended by the mayor of Limassol, members of ETEK, POVEK and some municipal councillors of the municipality. However, the absence of the Limassol School Ephorate and its representatives was noticeable, despite the intense disagreements that exist in relation to the construction of the roundabout.
During the presentation, extensive reference was made to all the latest developments and variations of the project as well as to the advantages of its construction. On the positive side of the project, it is noted that its construction will bring about an increased level of road safety as well as a reduction in road collisions. The provincial engineer of Public Works, Thrasos Afamis, said that the evaluation presented, was made taking into account the traffic volumes for the year 2020 and for 10 years later, for peak hours. "The creation of the roundabout, taking into account the advantages it offers, does not exclude the actions and policies included in the SUMP but on the contrary is offered to the maximum for their implementation", noted Mr. Afamis.
A key thorn in the implementation of the project is the creation of a roundabout at the intersection of Agia Fylaxeos with Makarios Avenue. In order to make possible the construction of the junction, part of the surrounding area of Lanitio should be used and it is here that there are the greatest reactions.
The same position with the School Ephorate was publicly expressed the day before yesterday by the ETEK, which disagrees with the construction of the roundabout in relation to the request for the concession of part of the Lanitio. As pointed out, the construction includes cutting down trees and abolishing the playground that has been created in recent years at the site. The Chamber's position, as expressed during the meeting, is that alternatives could be found to reduce traffic congestion. On the same wavelength and the placement of POVEK, without however proposing any other alternative on their part.
The role of the Town Hall is to express its opinion which is requested in any urban planning project. "This has already been expressed by the City Council itself before the new data is updated. At the next meeting of the Board of Directors, the issue will be raised again in order to express our agreement with the planning concluded by the Town Planning and Public Works".
Mr. Nikolaidis stressed that if there is the agreement of the municipality, then there will be no further delay. "We will ask the Public Works and the Town Planning Department to proceed with the completion of the design, the construction plans and the announcement of tenders. Until now, the decisions of the city council have been unanimous. For 20 years this project has been under discussion. At some point society has to move forward," he said.
