Famagusta villages want rejig of municipal reform

Four Famagusta district villages want the creation of a unified local authority to include the area’s four communities and five municipalities, a demand that is not in line with the government’s plan to reform the sector.

In a letter to the interior minister, the heads of Aheritou, Avgorou, Frenaros, and Ahna said they disagree with the reform plan, which provides for mergers in a bid to achieve economies of scale.

Instead, they proposed the creation of a unified local authority in the Famagusta district to include its four municipalities and five villages, under the name Constantia municipality.

They also said that when the Turkish-occupied town of Varosha is returned, they would unanimously agree to dissolve Constantia, and merge into one authority that will be known as Famagusta municipality.

The leaders of the communities said their plan “is based on the unified, solid, and sustainable development of the ‘free’ Famagusta district and the connection of inland areas with the district’s tourist areas”.

The decision was made during an October 4 meeting, which was also attended by the deputy head of Liopetri who disagreed.

Liopetri has agreed to merge with Sotira and Ayia Napa, as per reform blueprint.

The letter is the latest instalment in the saga that is the effort to reform local authorities that has been going on for around a decade.

Reform bills are currently being discussed by parliament as parties have already agreed to postpone this year’s local elections for two and half years to allow the reforms to be rolled out smoothly.

Some political parties, however, disagree with the government’s proposal to cut municipalities from 30 to 17 and the extensive clustering of communities in a bid to save the generally bankrupt sector.

Initially the government wanted to cut municipalities by half, but it compromised to allow 17. Some parties insist on 21 with mayors and community heads making their feelings known repeatedly.

And while parties and locals put politics and money before the common good, it emerged on Monday that taxpayers will be footing around €81 million to keep local authorities afloat.

According to Politis, €54m will go to the 30 municipalities and €13m to community councils.

Another €4.5m will be granted to the nine councils of Turkish-occupied municipalities and €4m to cover 75 per cent of the cost of street lighting.

Taxpayers will also pay €75,000 to the Communities Union.

AN additional €6.1m is earmarked for the salaries and pensions of sitting and former community leaders.