Contracts have been signed to renovate four more churches and three mosques across the divided island, the bicommunal technical cultural heritage committee announced on Thursday.

The works are due to be completed by the end of 2022 and early 2023, as Greek Cypriot co-chair of the committee Sotos Ktoris said that the cooperation with his Turkish Cypriot colleagues is excellent.

“There is a shared concern to save our monuments,” he said.

The churches are in Sisklipos, Masari, Goufes, and Gypsou in the north. The mosques are in Larnaca’s Kalo Chorio, Lefkara and Maroni.

Ktoris explained that the funds for the much-needed works are made available by the EU and from the local communities.

He added that efforts are underway to identify further sites for renovation, with bids expected shortly for the churches in northern Cyprus in the villages of Prastio (in Morphou) and Spathariko.

Studies are also underway to renovate the churches in Neta, Flamoudi, Limnia, Argaki, Famagusta, aqueducts in Lefka and Afania, all in the north. The committee is also planning for works at the mosques in Tochni, Alamino, Kalavasos, Terra, Avdimou and Alekotra.