The inauguration of the Kappari Avenue Improvement Project in Paralimni was held today at the Municipality of Paralimni - Deryneia in the presence of the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Mr. Alexis Vafeadis.

In his address, the Mayor of Paralimniu - Dherynia, Mr. George Nikolettos expressed his joy and satisfaction for the completion of an important urban planning project that, as he said, "upgrades the road network and contributes to improving the quality of life of citizens and visitors". He stressed that "this is a project of strategic importance, with integrated interventions in terms of traffic, infrastructure and aesthetics, which is part of the broader planning for a modern and sustainable urban environment".

The Mayor stressed in particular the "geographical and historical symbolism of the area, noting that the project reaches the buffer zone, where freedom meets its violent interruption". For this reason, he said, "the Local Authority intends to rename part of the avenue as Kennedy Avenue, as a tribute and remembrance to the occupied Famagusta". He concluded by noting that "every project is an act of hope for the day when this road will continue freely to the heart of our city".

For his part, the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Mr.Alexis Vafeades, expressed his pleasure for his presence at the inauguration of the upgrading project of Kappari Avenue and parts of Yiorki Papadopoulou and Apollonos streets, which he described as of particular importance for the wider area of free Famagusta. He stressed that this is a project that acquires a symbolic character, as its extension meets the well-known Kennedy Avenue of the occupied Famagusta Municipality.

The Minister referred to the technical and urban scope of the project, underlining its contribution to road safety, sustainable mobility and infrastructure upgrading. He pointed out that the Government's priority is to improve the road network and gradually upgrade the region with high value-added projects.

In conclusion, he thanked all the stakeholders and especially the Department of Public Works for its decisive role in the coordination and successful completion of the project, while he congratulated the contractors and their partners for the timely and quality delivery of the project.

The inauguration was attended by His Eminence Metropolitan of Constantia and Famagusta, Mr. Vasilios, who performed a consecration ceremony with priests of the Holy Metropolis of Constantia and Famagusta.

The project "Improvement of Kappari Avenue in Paralimni" started on October 7, 2021 and was completed on June 27, 2024 with a contract amount of €6.426.762,00 + VAT.

The Urban - Road Project concerns the improvement of the part of Kappari Avenue that starts 270 meters north of the existing roundabout and ends at the neutral zone at the border with Famagusta Town (extension of Kennedy Avenue).

The project also included the improvement of Yiorki Papadopoulou Street in a length of approximately 320 m. and Apollonos Street in a length of approximately 150 m. as well as the creation of a new secondary road network of 260 m., alongside Lefkados Street. The remaining minor roads falling within the project boundary were improved along 25-30 m from the main road.

Kappari Avenue includes two lanes with parking spaces on both sides (parallel parking), paved sidewalks, green lanes and tree basins, a 2.60 m wide cycle track on the east side of the road, pedestrian crossings and bus stop bays.

As part of the project, a new roundabout was constructed at the last 250 m. and Zebra-type pedestrian crossings were installed at thirteen (13) points, which aim to upgrade the safety level of the road in question.

The part of Yiorki Papadopoulou Street includes two lanes of traffic with sidewalks as well as a bicycle lane on the north side of the road.

A new stormwater drainage network, a new sewage network in part of the project, new irrigation and water supply networks, undergrounding of electricity and telecommunications services and installation of street lighting were also constructed.

The cost of the project was covered by 80% by the State and 20% by the Municipality of Paralimni - Deryneia.