Congestion driving businesses and investors away, says Evel

Limassol’s share of the 2025-2027 state budget has drawn the ire of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Evel), which called for action to address traffic, infrastructure, and overdue development projects.

The chamber said that Limassol, which generates half of Cyprus’ GDP, has been “allocated a disproportionately small share of the budget”.

The state budget, presented by Finance Minister Makis Keravnos, outlines €1.27 billion in co-financed projects over three years.

Expenditure on roads totals €448.4 million, with €184.1 million allocated for construction and €145.1 million for infrastructure.

Despite these substantial allocations, Limassol’s share remains limited, the chamber stated.

Evel president Andreas Tsouloftas said that “it is unacceptable that Limassol, the engine of the Cypriot economy, should receive such disproportionate treatment from the government”.

“The chamber demands that Limassol receive what it is entitled to,” he added.

Addressing the city’s worsening traffic situation, Tsouloftas warned that “the city will face a traffic gridlock in two years”.

Moreover, he stressed that the growing congestion is “driving businesses and investors away from Limassol”.

Tsouloftas also called for urgent funding allocated to the city’s northern bypass.

“We should probably call the president since it is imperative to include funds in the budget immediately so that the project can start within the year,” he said.

The chamber also mentioned that Limassol’s inclusion in the EU smart cities programme and its bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2030 further highlight the need for swift action.

“If some projects are not done, we will be called to account in 2030,” Tsouloftas stated.

“It is documented, and no one disputes that Limassol produces 50 per cent of the GDP and is not allowed to get 10 or 15 per cent of the projects,” Tsouloftas added.

The Interior Ministry plans to allocate €162.62 million to Limassol, representing 21.62 per cent of its total budget.

These funds will support projects such as the New Technical School of Limassol and the Pedagogical Institute (€18.2 million), the Apostolos Loukas School (€3.3 million), and upgrades to rural infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the Transport Ministry has earmarked €141.9 million out of its €830 million budget, or 17.1 per cent.

Key initiatives include €4 million for the first phase of the Limassol-Saïtta Road and €8 million to upgrade the Spyros Kyprianou Sports Centre.

However, critical transport challenges remain unresolved, with tenders for vital projects still in progress.

The Education Ministry has allocated €87.2 million, equivalent to 5.64 per cent of its €1.55 billion budget.

Finally, the Health Ministry will spend €23.5 million on upgrading Limassol hospital, representing a share of 1.73 per cent of its total funds.