Fishing shelter to get upgrade to boost the sector

A €1.374m contract for improvement work at Ormidia fishing shelter was signed on Tuesday aiming to bolster competitiveness and sustainability of fishing in the area.

The project is 75 per cent co-financed by the EU under its Thalassa programme.

The improvements within the fishing shelter at Meritzi in Larnaca district address problems with waves, providing additional safety for boats and better working conditions for fishermen. Work, that will include elevating the wave breakers, building new quays and a new building and warehouse with sanitary facilities, is expected to start in May and be completed in two years at a cost of €1.37m plus VAT, Karousos said.

Agriculture Minister Costas Kadis said the project fulfils a long-standing demand of Ormidia community and fishermen in the area who will, on its completion, have use of a safe port with all the infrastructure and facilities.

Sustainability of Cyprus’ fisheries sector was a priority for the government which has tapped into EU programmes to support investments, he added.

For the period of 2014-2020, Cyprus secured €39m from the European Marine and Fisheries Fund, and another €39m for the new financing period of 2021 to 2027.

Kadis said the project was in line with a pledge from President Nicos Anastasiades and was designed with the input of the community council of Ormidia and the fishermen based at the shelter.