Speaking on Protoselido, Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou addressed the decision to terminate the contract at the Liopetri River project due to the prolonged delays observed.
“If we are to be criticised for anything, it might be that we should have terminated the contract earlier. In response to a letter from the Audit Office last December, which noted several observations regarding the project’s lack of progress, we stated that we were considering the impact of any termination on those directly affected. We aimed to exhaust all options. After granting extensions and showing goodwill and patience, we took action. The project was 50% complete last year and only 55% complete this year. At that pace, it would have taken 10 years to finish. I was surprised to hear some MPs yesterday suggesting we continue with the same contractor. Town Planning had already exhausted this option. We are now looking for a feasible, alternative solution to proceed with the project. Several solutions are under consideration, and we are evaluating the most efficient and implementable one to benefit those directly affected, including local restaurants and fishermen.”
Mr Ioannou stated that they expect to make relevant announcements in two weeks.
He added that he had not spoken directly with the contracting company, but the case is likely to go to court.
