Industrial areas are a hidden treasure for the Cypriot economy and the Government cannot leave this development potential untapped, said the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Energy, Trade, Industry and Tourism, DISY MP, Nikos Georgiou, after today's session of the Committee that discussed the situation regarding industrial areas. Mr. Georgiou stressed that these areas must acquire modern infrastructure, proper organization and a clear development plan.
Today, said Mr. Georgiou, they heard about free grazing in an industrial area, about a road network that was designed to pass through existing licensed industrial facilities and industrial areas that employ more than 5000 workers and have only 780 parking spaces.
"This sector contributes 10% to GDP and thousands of jobs. The Cypriot economy has the potential to attract and host new businesses, Cypriot and foreign, that want to really settle in Cyprus, invest and create jobs. However, we need a plan, organization and above all political will to move from the realization to the implementation. Industrial areas must acquire modern infrastructure, proper organization and a clear development plan, so that they can become real areas of production, investment and business development," he added.
"There are many things that need to be done. From the basics related to safety, parking spaces, cleanliness, firefighting to what kind of industry we want. The Government has announced a plan for the strategic development of the industry 2026-2030. Despite the grandiose announcement, everything still remains on paper. Cyprus cannot afford to leave unused infrastructure and spaces that can give a new impetus to the economy. We need to create the conditions for real investment and real production in our country," he added.
The Member of Parliament of ELAM, Evgenios Hamboullas, in his statements said that today in the Committee they dealt with the issues that have been plaguing the industrial areas throughout Cyprus for many years, issues which arise mainly from the lack of political will and coordination between the Ministries of Commerce and Interior.
"Issues that stem from multiple illegalities in the use of premises from illegal ones under rentals that often lead to many traffic, environmental and other problems. Unfortunately, for years now, the zoning of these zones, the industrial ones, has been done ignoring future plans, without creating protection zones around them, with results today in many cases industrial nuisance areas being adjacent to residential zones", he added.
As he said, a dialogue has been opened, but it should be accelerated and concluded.
"A conclusion precisely because issues arise that are very important for the viability of our industries but also for the environment and the inhabitants affected by uses that may not be compatible with the existing situation today," he noted.
The MP of Alma, Irini Charalambidou, in her statements said that while there were industrial zones remote from residential areas, suddenly buildings are being built next to industries.
"It must be investigated and we asked in writing to be sent information on how and when the zones were changed and we have reached the point today that we have houses next to factories. Well, we want the issue to be raised in time, which Governments, in which areas, when the decisions were made and today you are observing a very serious problem for many citizens", he concluded.
CNA
