Tenders for Cyprus multi-million projects opened

Bids for two multi-million infrastructure projects, a motorway on the north-west of the island and further development of Larnaca port and its marina, were opened by the Ministry of Communications and Works.

Minister Maria Malahtou-Pampalli said the 31 km Paphos-to-Polis Chrysochou motorway is expected to be completed in just over four years, at an estimated cost of CYP 180 mln (EUR 309 mln) or about CYP 5,8 mln (EUR 9,9 mln) per kilometre.

The four-lane motorway will include side roads linking the main motorway to other destinations in the area, nine uneven junctions, seven flyover bridges to bypass valleys and two tunnels.

There will also be 25 underground and two overground passages to restore the existing road network which could be affected from the construction.

“This is a very important project for the city and the district of Paphos as it will provide easy and safe access to the town and the north-western region, something that gives new prospects for tourist development,” the Minister said as she opened the four bids.

The successful bidder is expected to be announced by the end of the year.
On the Larnaca port and marina project, the Minister said this is the biggest infrastructure project in the town, barring the international airport of the city.

“Once the project is completed Larnaca will become the main passenger port in Cyprus and large cruisers will be able to moor there. About 1,000 vessels will be able to berth at the marina, in addition to 400 the marina can serve at present, and be provided with high quality facilities,” she said.

Three joint ventures have placed bids for this project, which is expected to be completed in different phases, encompassing development of the port, the marina, construction of infrastructure works and other facilities.

At present, officials have said that it is very difficult to assess the overall cost of the Larnaca project or estimate the time of completion.