Major infrastructure projects in the Paphos district are progressing smoothly and without setbacks, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades said on Friday during a meeting at the Paphos Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

After the meeting, Vafeades thanked the chamber for the invitation and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to keeping stakeholders informed and involved in ongoing projects. He said such meetings allow for constructive input and are held on a regular basis.

Referring to the Paphos–Polis Chrysochous road project, the minister said works are advancing steadily, with studies and tender documents nearing completion.

“We are reaching the stage where studies and tender documents are being finalised, and we will soon see works begin on site,” he said, describing this as a critical milestone.

He added that the two phases of the project are progressing almost simultaneously. The first phase is expected to receive bids by the end of March, while the second phase, covering the stretch from Polis Chrysochous to Stroumbi, is due to be announced shortly.

“We have two phases of this major project being implemented at the same time,” he said, adding that this approach ensures the region’s needs are addressed without delay.

Vafeades stressed that there have been no reversals or setbacks so far.

“The risk is not that the projects will fail to move forward, but that they could face reversals or delays. To date, we have had none,” he said, praising the Department of Public Works for its progress.

Regarding the addition of a third lane to the existing Paphos–Polis Chrysochous road, he said completion is expected within March, noting minor delays but expressing confidence that the timetable will be met.

For the first phase of the broader project, a one-month extension was granted following a request by participating economic operators. The second phase, which provides for four lanes between Polis Chrysochous and Stroumbi, is expected to proceed between June and September, once expropriations and related procedures are finalised.

Vafeades also referred to the project aimed at protecting and upgrading the southwestern coastline of the municipalities of Paphos and Geroskipou, stressing that it is a priority due to coastal erosion affecting the region’s tourism product.

“It is something we must protect and preserve,” he said, underlining the urgency of completing the relevant studies.

The minister added that studies for the Chloraka–Kissonerga–Peyia road project were completed ahead of schedule, saving six to nine months. He said he hopes to announce the project by June.

He also confirmed that environmental concerns regarding the Ezousa section of the Paphos airport access road will be carefully examined.

“We are committed to protecting the environment,” he said, emphasising that while the project serves the public interest, it will proceed with all necessary safeguards.

During the meeting, the chamber raised several issues, including Phases I and II of the Paphos–Polis Chrysochous motorway, timelines for the expansion of Tombs of the Kings Avenue, the western bypass of Paphos, the Paphos airport access road, and a proposed land bridge linking the Mesogi industrial area with the Tremithoussa industrial zone.

Vafeades said all procedures are underway and that progress will soon be visible, significantly enhancing infrastructure in the Paphos district.