More than 20 projects and a package of political actions to rejuvenate Troodos’ mountainous countryside, at a projected cost of over €30 million, were announced on Tuesday evening by President Nikos Christodoulides.

Launching his tour of Cyprus in Amiantos, Christodoulides met with local authorities and organisations and assessed the progress of actions undertaken over the past 19 months, at the same time announcing further projects as part of his governance programme.

The president was accompanied by nine members of the cabinet and a multi-member entourage of government and state officers.

Speaking at the gathering, Christodoulides said an important priority for mountainous areas was social cohesion, achieved through projects and policies in various sectors, starting with health and education.

In the health sector, he said the pulmonology clinic of Troodos hospital was at last completed and as of November 1 the hospital will be admitting patients for treatment.

He added that a masterplan was being prepared for Troodos hospital and was expected to be ready by the end of the year at a cost of around €2 million,

Regarding education, Christodoulides said optional full-day schools had increased and by next year all schools interested would be added to the programme.

Furthermore, the state was subsidising transportation to and from school for children in remote areas, while schools and sports centres were being created and upgraded.

Investments of €2 million were also announced for measures to address fires and extreme weather phenomena, with emphasis on prevention, including the management and disposal of prunings.  

Biomass management was also planned through controlled grazing.

The president announced the creation of a bank of agricultural plots, which would contribute to utilising abandoned land.

Infrastructure has also been approved for a helipad in Solea-Marathasa at a cost of €4.5 million for firefighting purposes, as well as a fire station in Eptagonia for €1.1 million. Calls for tenders will be made in 2025. Plans are in the pipeline for a fire station in Pedoulas and Pahna as well.

The president announced measures for financial growth and the promotion of entrepreneurship, in an effort to create job opportunities in the area, as well as upgrading the tourist product of the mountainous areas, at a cost of over €5 million.

Regarding the primary sector, Christodoulides said the cabinet approved the new strategy with emphasis on rural areas in early October, aiming at enhancing competitiveness and reducing the cost of electricity and water.

A commitment of €10 million was made for renewable energy and over €7 million for smart watering systems.

Procedures will also be simplified and good practices will be encouraged.

Accessibility is also on the government’s list of priorities for mountainous areas and a comprehensive programme is being gradually implemented to improve transport and communications, with roads from large urban centres to the mountains.

Connectivity is being reevaluated, especially regarding transport to urban centres and the airports.

Christodoulides also said a project to install fibre optics in even the most remote villages in the countryside is being implemented and is expected to be completed in 2025, facilitating access to digital and communication services.