Filenews 14 March 2025 - by Charalambos Zakos
The government has already submitted to the banks its own list of mountainous and remote areas in which it considers that based on the needs of residents automatic banking machines (ATMs) should be installed, since the closure of bank branches caused several problems for citizens.
Among the Government's choices, the proposal for the installation of an ATM in the Kykkos monastery stands out.
As "F" is informed, a total of 10 mountainous and remote areas are on the Government's list, while banks have proposed some changes.
Although so far there is no particular disagreement between the Government and the banks and the issue will be discussed shortly, however, at first, it seems that some of the areas proposed by the banks do not satisfy the Government, since, as conveyed by its side, the evaluation should be made not on the basis of expected turnover, but on the service of these complexes and residents facing problems. regardless of population.
The list from the government side has been formed following the actions of the Commissioner for Mountain Areas, Charalambos Christofinas, who had previously proceeded to discussions and consultations with several communities in order to identify, record and transfer these requests to the banks.
In particular, the Commissioner for Mountain Areas had taken several actions since 2024 in order to identify the points that could be installed and host ATMs in these areas in addition to mapping needs.
The Government's list has been submitted to banks for some time and the areas and possibilities for installing ATMs in them are currently being evaluated.
Which areas does the Government recommend?
According to the information obtained by "F", the state recommended to the banks to install ATMs in the following areas:
- Kykkos area: It will serve Kampos Tsakkistras, Milikouri, Gerakies and other communities of the wider area. The decision is for the ATM to be placed in a space at the Kykkos Monastery. This recommendation does not seem to be preferred by the banks, at least not as a priority.
- Astromeritis area. In order to serve the E complex of Nicosia, i.e. communities such as Vyzakia, Potami, Nikitari etc. The space that could be installed is in the Alphamega supermarket, which recently opened in Astromeritis.
- Kalopanayiotis area: There is already an ATM, which however belongs to a different company. It was proposed to enter JCC ATMs.
- Kalo Chorio Limassol area: To serve clusters B and H.
- Eptagonia area: To serve complexes in Limassol and Larnaca. The proposal has been adopted by the banks and they are already discussing where the ATM can be installed.
- Kivides area: Due to the growing population of the area. The banks seem to agree, too.
- Pelendri area: The banks have agreed and have contacted the community to agree on the space to be installed.
- Panagia area: The banks want to include the installation of ATMs in this area in the second phase.
- Salami area: The request has been accepted by the banks.
- Korfi area (towards mountainous Limassol): The banks do not seem to agree.
According to information provided by "F", the Government will push for the communities of Panagia, Kalo Chorio, Kykkos and Kyvides to be included – along with the rest of the areas already agreed – in Phase A and to be prioritized by banks for the installation of ATMs.
