The director of Larnaca’s sewerage board on Monday suggested the government should cover additional costs incurred during works to create a sewage system in Larnaca, after a treasure trove of antiquities from Roman to Ottoman times were discovered during digging.

The initial cost of the project had been estimated at €7 million, however, this figure has risen to €17m to take into account the cost of ancient finds.

The director of the Larnaca Sewerage Board (SAL) Angelos Hadjicharalambous said the antiquities identified during the works of the sewerage system in Larnaca are a national treasure and the state should cover the additional cost of ten million euros.

“According to an initial assessment, the Larnaca Sewerage Board will be called upon to bear an additional cost of ten million euros, precisely because of the antiquities found in the area and the delay observed in the execution of the works. Initially this contract was estimated at around €7 million, but with the additional cost of €10 million, it will eventually amount to about €17 million,” he told Cyprus News Agency (CNA).

Hadjicharalambous noted that SAL will carry out an investigation for archaeological findings of the area where the sewerage project will be carried out, namely Chrysopolitissa, which is the last part of one contract. This will be followed by another contract where the wells and pipelines of the sewerage system and rainwater will be placed

“The findings found in this area of Larnaca are various types of tombs and other antiquities dating back to various eras from the Roman to the Ottoman. Everything related to the antiquities found in the various areas of Larnaca due to the works that were done and are being done for the Sewerage System, is handled 100 per cent by the Department of Antiquities,” he explained.

A meeting to discuss the issue is expected to take place between the president of SAL and Larnaca mayor Andreas Vyras together with the competent ministries.

“The additional cost of €10 million should be paid by the state, since the antiquities are a national wealth and the government needs to stand by and cover the expenses borne by the citizens of Larnaca,” Hadjicharalambous concluded.