Protaras the flagship of the local economy, says mayor

Protaras remains the economic engine of the Paralimni-Deryneia municipality, with local authorities aiming to spread visitor interest across all municipal areas through a series of projects and tourism initiatives, according to mayor Giorgos Nikolettos.

Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Nikolettos said the coastal resort, which draws thousands of tourists each year, was not only a key asset for Protaras itself but for the wider municipality as a whole.

He described Protaras as “the flagship of our economy” and “a valuable asset for the entire municipality”, adding that tourism development strengthens the local economy, employment and the broader prospects of the area.

At the same time, he said “the municipality is trying to widen the visitor experience beyond the seafront, so that tourism benefits inland areas as well.”

Through initiatives such as a tourist guide and the branding of the municipality, the aim, Nikolettos mentioned, is to encourage both foreign and local visitors to explore Protaras, Paralimni, Deryneia, Frenaros and Acheritou.

Alongside tourism promotion, Nikolettos pointed to a broad pipeline of infrastructure works across the municipality.

In Paralimni, he said particular emphasis is being placed on the multi-storey car park in the town centre, which is expected to ease parking and traffic pressure.

Combined with the licensed redevelopment of Paralimni square and the regeneration of the central core, he said the project would help reshape the town centre.

He added that works are also moving ahead on traffic lights at the junction of Protaras Avenue and Megalou Alexandrou Street, the Pontian Genocide memorial, the regeneration of Vrysoudion-Pinias street in Pernera, studies for key road links, an elevator at the chapel of Profitis Elias, and pavement repairs and construction along Protaras Avenue.

Meanwhile, further progress is being made on the coastal pedestrian walkway, with the fourth phase going through licensing and the fifth under design, with the longer-term aim of linking Kapparis to Konnos.

A roundabout on Protaras-Cape Greco Avenue, near the Lidl supermarket, is also planned.

Turning to Deryneia, the mayor said construction of a cultural venue was progressing, while licensing procedures were advancing for a Green Spot that would serve the whole municipality. Work is also set to begin on Pavlos Liasidis park.

In the same district, he said the energy upgrade of the Deryneia warehouse remains under way, as does the planning of the industrial area road network and the completion of Stadiou Avenue, which will connect Deryneia with Sotira through what he described as a modern road network.

For Frenaros, Nikolettos said procedures were being promoted for the creation of a central square, the upgrading of the municipal stadium and the establishment of the Photi Pitta museum.

More broadly, he said playground development was continuing in all municipal districts, alongside asphalt paving works across the municipality through state support.

On animal welfare, the municipality is implementing measures including cat sterilisation vouchers, a campaign for dog ownership licences, the placement of waste bins in central locations and the creation of feeding points for stray cats.

Nikolettos also welcomed the upgraded housing scheme announced by the interior ministry, describing it as an important step that could strengthen local housing policy and offer meaningful support to young people and families wishing to remain in Cyprus.

On cooperation with the British bases, he said the municipality remained in daily contact with the authorities for immediate information and practical coordination in the interests of residents.

Referring to Strovilia, he added that meetings had been held with the relevant departments, as issues affecting the safety, daily life and dignity of residents were treated as a priority.

He also pointed to the operation of youth councils in all municipal districts, saying their active involvement in events and actions was encouraging and helped give the municipality perspective and continuity.

In addition, Nikolettos said the municipality’s guiding principle was to “improve residents’ quality of life by making Paralimni-Deryneia more functional, cleaner, safer, more modern and more attractive”.

As part of that effort, he said the municipality had created a complaints department, which has handled more than 3,000 calls and resolves more than 80 per cent of cases on a daily basis.

“This has helped bring the municipality closer to citizens,” he said.

“The municipality could move forward only through collective effort, seriousness and trust,” Nikolettos stated.

“Cooperation across all municipal districts remained central to achieving more for the area as a whole,” he concluded.