The Limassol municipality approved its 2025 budget of €19 million on Thursday.

Mayor Yiannis Armeftis said the budget would allow “for debt repayment, interest payments, and the financing of the pension fund’s actuarial deficit with €5 million.”

He added that the budget aimed to enhance the quality of life and support the city’s development, emphasising the need for improved accessibility and expressed his vision for a “city that is friendly to its citizens and actively addresses existing problems.”

Traffic remains Limassol’s biggest challenge, he noted, adding that the 2025 budget focuses on improving road networks, enhancing cleanliness and greenery, promoting animal welfare, and upgrading the coastal front.

He stressed that while “there were no magic solutions, the municipality was laying the foundations to achieve its goals, with prudent and responsible financial management remaining a priority.”

He thanked the municipal council for unanimously approving the budget.

A significant portion of the budget has been allocated to upgrading green spaces and public areas, with €4.16 million earmarked for the maintenance of squares, playgrounds, fountains, lakes, and tree planting along road networks – an increase of 63 per cent compared to 2024.

The redevelopment of squares and parks in the Limassol district will see a fivefold increase in funding, from €320,000 in 2024 to €1.5 million in 2025, while €50,000 has been set aside for the maintenance of public restrooms. In the Tserkezo district, €30,000 will be allocated for the renovation of squares and parks.

Funding for sports facilities has also been boosted, with €336,000 allocated for upgrades and €300,000 dedicated to the construction of the Versailles-Renaissance stadium.

The Mesa Geitonia district will see new parks and squares developed at a cost of €200,000, with €100,000 allocated for the maintenance and construction of walls for 23 existing parks.

Additionally, €100,000 has been set aside for tile repairs in the historic centre, while municipal building repairs will cost €150,000.

Efforts to improve cleanliness across the city will be reinforced with the expansion of the cleaning fleet, which will include two semi-trucks equipped with high-pressure washers, a water tanker, two sweepers, and three garbage trucks, at a total cost of approximately €900,000.

Upgrades along the coastal front will see spending tripled from €710,900 to €2.16 million.

Animal welfare initiatives will also receive increased funding, with €50,000 allocated for animal shelters, €40,000 designated for stray animal sterilisation, and €10,000 for awareness campaigns on animal protection and welfare.

The municipality also announced plans to improve the organisation of municipal operations, including hiring 20 specialised employees and establishing a municipal property and public spaces management and event office.

An increase in revenue, primarily from taxes, rents, and cost recovery, is projected, rising from €67.45 million in 2024 to €75.72 million in 2025. Meanwhile, interest and loan repayments will amount to €8.5 million, and capital expenditures will total €37 million.