A new traffic problem in the making

The green light was given by the environment department for the creation of a new Jumbo store at the ex-Mazda showroom at Latsia, Nicosia. This is sure to create problems.

The problem of accessing Nicosia from other towns via the motorway is real, with almost daily traffic jams that sometimes reach from Laiki/Kalispera traffic lights all the way to ​​Nissou.

Two years ago, I expressed my concerns about the traffic jams at the Mall of Cyprus and general hospital junction, in light of the then-expected sale of the Mazda building.

The presence of the mall, Ikea, Leroy Merlin, the hospital, plus the undeveloped Kalamon street (which, when developed, will double or triple the total of developments) is already causing traffic jams at one of the only two exits of Nicosia.

Now a new Jumbo department store will be added, with a huge demand for parking and access facilities, which, with a retail space of 10,500 sqm, you can understand what will happen.

This store is very successful and draws many customers. A simple comparison of the same project at Lakatamia will discourage even the most ardent supporters of this location.

And imagine during the holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, what will happen when there is a steep increase of visitors to all retail stores and malls.

The existing road network simply cannot handle this traffic load and I expect accidents will increase due to this, especially at the two roundabouts of the mall and the hospital.

As a result, access, especially to the ​​Latsia-Yeri-hospital area, will be very problematic, and I hope that the planners of the new infrastructure have taken this into account.

This expected traffic jams (similar to what happens at the Polemidia roundabout) will make it difficult for residents and others to visit the ​​Latsia-Yeri-Laiki Lefkothea area and, in general, areas in south and east Nicosia.

The ramifications of the development plans really need to be taken into account.

The completion of this project and the new buildings mentioned, is likely to double or even triple traffic.

Recently, a plot of land of around 11,000 sqm next to the mall was sold for €8 million for commercial development expansion, which will certainly add to the traffic load.

Some of the new planned roads may help but, most likely, by the time the magnitude of the problem reveals itself, it will be too late to do anything about it.

Antonis Loizou & Associates EPE – Real Estate Valuers, Estate Agents & Property Consultants, www.aloizou.com.cy, [email protected]