Filenews 4 December 2025 - by Theodora Nikolaou
Work begins today within the buffer zone for the opening of a third traffic lane at the Agios Dometios roadblock, thus putting the project on track for implementation almost two years after the Government's announcement. At the same time, the voices of protest of the residents of the area are intensifying as traffic from passing vehicles has become unbearable, while noise pollution even in quiet hours is now a daily phenomenon.
The opening of the third traffic lane and the widening of the long-suffering crossing point in Agios Dometios was one of the 14 measures announced by the Government on January 26, 2024 and aimed to alleviate the traffic chaos that is created daily in the area.
It is recalled that the works to widen the road in the free areas started by the Department of Public Works on January 22, 2025 and were completed last summer. At a cost of €370,000 (plus VAT), the project includes a series of interventions, the most important of which is the opening of a third traffic lane in the direction of the occupied areas and the installation of a new checkpoint, while at the same time sidewalks were constructed, a shelter was installed and sanitary facilities were formed for the staff who will staff the point. Additionally, the new lane has been electrified, enhancing the safety and functionality of the barricade.
The works start today
These interventions were completed months ago, however the road was never opened to traffic, as the completion of the projects within the buffer zone, which have been undertaken by the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), is pending. It is essentially the opening of the two-way road to and from the occupied territories that extends around 300 meters within the buffer zone.
Already, according to information, since the day before yesterday, the contracting company has started transporting machinery to the site and everything is ready to start the works. The information was confirmed by a representative of UNFICYP, stating to "F" that the project of widening the road is the responsibility of UNDP (United Nations Development Program) and will start today. Although he was not able to say when the whole project would be completed, as we had written in a previous report, the implementation time is estimated to be between two and four months.
Meanwhile, in today's announcement, the European Commission informs that two contracts for the execution of projects with a total value of approximately €435,000 were recently signed. Projects include excavations, earthworks, paving, electrical and mechanical installations, and landscaping, all within the United Nations security zone. The projects are expected to be completed at the end of January 2026.
Traffic is a torture
Meanwhile, the residents of the area are indignant. With their posts on social media, they protest and call on the competent authorities to take measures as the situation has reached the point of no return. The residents express disappointment and speak of complete indifference on the part of the authorities, towards the serious problems they face due to the traffic chaos observed in the area, especially on Dimokratias Avenue that ends at the roadblock and the adjacent streets. They complain that they experience the same inconvenience every day, "remaining trapped in traffic in front of their own homes, unable to approach their homes, with roads that have been turned into 'transit avenues'".
According to the complaints of the citizens, "the situation has gotten out of hand and no one responsible is taking action". As they say, "the times they can't turn around to go home are more than the days they can." At the same time, the noise pollution and concern caused by the continuous honking and shouting from drivers waiting in line for hours, have now become a daily phenomenon even in quiet hours. Residents state that they often make complaints to both the Police and the municipal authority, "with one competent service putting the blame on the other".
Issue with the staffing of the checkpoints
In his statements to "F" and asked to comment on the complaints of the citizens about the situation in the area, the Deputy Mayor of Agios Dometios, Konstantinos Yiangou, stated that for its part, the municipal authority is doing everything in its power. "We have already sent letters to all the competent bodies to eliminate the problem that is timeless and creates problems in the quality of life of the residents of the area," he said. However, he added, the problem arises from insufficient staffing at checkpoints, especially when there are staff absences.
As he noted, "over time we have seen that when the two checkpoints are operating and are adequately staffed, no problem is created, while now the third checkpoint is being prepared." Asked about this, he said that according to the latest information he received from the United Nations, it is estimated that another 2 to 3 months are needed. However, he indicated that in his opinion even if the third checkpoint is opened, if there is not enough staffing, then the problem will not be solved. According to the Deputy Mayor, there are currently two crossing points that do not operate at all hours. "It is the responsibility of the Police to adequately staff the roadblocks 24 hours a day," he continued. According to estimates, as he said, in order for the two checkpoints to function smoothly as they are today, they must be staffed with eight police officers per shift (ie 24 people per 24 hours), while they must be experienced people.
At the same time, Mr. Yiangou stated that policing and checks by the Traffic Police are needed, as the traffic rules are not followed, especially at the point where the checked block is located just before the roadblock, since this is the main entrance and exit of the residents of the area.
On the part of the Police, in his statements to "F", the spokesman Vyron Vyronos, when asked about the staffing, said that the instructions are at least during peak hours to open all checkpoints and to serve passing drivers immediately. Furthermore, he added that the staff is sufficient to perform the work they are called upon to do. Asked if the third checkpoint will be manned with the existing staffing, he replied that "if the existing staff will not be able to cope, then additional staffing will be made".
