Government push to stop Tylliria exodus

Ministers are examining measures to actively support the revitalisation of Tylliria as previous efforts to stem the tide of urban flight from the region have failed, it was announced on Thursday.

The ministerial council on Wednesday evaluated research showing that despite political interventions to date, the population decline in the region has not been arrested or reversed and the interest in housing subsidies has been small.

Problems contributing to the situation are, among others, the administrative fragmentation of the isolated north-western Tylliria communities between Nicosia and Paphos, the ministers heard.

Difficulty of road access, insufficient healthcare, lack of centres for the elderly, minimal employment and education opportunities, as well as irrigation and limited tourist accommodation, were also on the list of challenges.

“It is clear that the incentives provided so far in terms of housing and benefits could not in isolation solve the problem in the Tylliria region,” a press release after the ministerial meeting said.

Following a proposal from the minister of the interior, it was decided to set up a committee from ministries and deputy ministries of the interior, agriculture, education, trade and industry and tourism, to promote targeted policy measures addressing the issue.

The region requires particular attention to redress challenges arising from its longstanding geographical isolation, following the Turkish invasion, the statement said.

The specially created committee will promote substantial actions taking into account available resources.

“The actions will aim at attracting residents, developing the primary sector, improving access to social services, local infrastructure and quality of life, as well as strengthening the state’s capacity to formulate and implement policies for the development of the region,” a statement said.

Among other initiatives, the relevant ministries will seek to create employment opportunities, establish a provincial agricultural office, strengthen local government, livestock farming and production, manage agricultural water resources, and develop agrotourism in the region.