The Forestry Department has issued a statement regarding the Auditor General’s report on the contracts concerning the Akamas National Forest Park.
Specifically, it states:
“The Forestry Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment has taken seriously the recommendations made by the Audit Office as outlined in Special Report TΔ/01/2025, which reviewed the contracts for the construction projects at the Akamas National Forest Park. The Department has already taken steps to improve procedures for promoting new construction projects and monitoring related contracts. In addition, it has advanced further training of personnel on contract management, relevant legislation and regulations, and preparation of tender documents.”
Improvements implemented by the Forestry Department following the Audit Office’s recommendations are recorded in the relevant report, which highlights the Department’s commitment to continuous improvement. The matter of performance guarantees related to the construction contract of Phase A for the road network improvement is being handled by the competent State Authorities, and therefore, no public statement can be made at this time.
The Department wishes to note that the projects currently under revision in the Akamas National Forest Park area were designed following many years of careful and painstaking efforts to reconcile the positions of various services, departments and ministries. At present, a series of actions is underway to relaunch Phase A with a reduced environmental footprint, provided the necessary approvals are granted by the environmental authority and all lawful procedures are followed.
In conclusion, the Forestry Department emphasises that its core principle is the protection of Akamas and its promotion as an environmental treasure of the country. For this reason, in cooperation with the relevant departments, it is revising the original plans to minimise the environmental impact of the works.
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