The share allocated to Limassol in the budget for projects included in the state budget submitted to parliament is deemed disappointing. The Minister of Finance, Mr. Makis Keravnos, stated that for the 2025-2027 period, the budget includes €1.27 billion in co-funded projects, €448.4 million for roads, €184.1 million for construction projects, and €145.1 million for infrastructure works.
Most of the funding for projects in Limassol comes from the Ministry of the Interior, which will allocate €162.62 million, amounting to 21.62% of its total budget. These funds cover projects such as the construction of the New Technical School of Limassol and the Pedagogical Institute (€18.2 million), the new building for the Apostolos Loukas School (€3.3 million), sewage and anti-flood works, as well as infrastructure in rural areas and villages.
The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Works, from its total budget of €830 million (some of which are on behalf of other ministries), has allocated €141.9 million to Limassol, which is 17.1% of its budget. Among others, €4 million is allocated for the first phase of the Limassol-Saittas road and €8 million for upgrading the "Spyros Kyprianou" Sports Center. The budget also includes provisions for tendering the second phase of the Limassol-Saittas highway. Additionally, projects under the Limassol Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) and port and land facilities to serve aquaculture operators in Pentakomo are in the tendering process.
The Ministry of Education will allocate €87.2 million for Limassol, out of its total budget of €1.55 billion (5.64%), while the Ministry of Health has predicted €23.5 million (1.73%) for upgrading and expanding the Limassol General Hospital. The President of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), Mr. Andreas Tsouloftas, commented to "Entrepreneurial Limassol" on the above data, emphasizing that it is unacceptable for Limassol, “the engine of the Cypriot economy” to be treated so disproportionately by the state. He further stressed that the Chamber demands that Limassol receive its fair share.
The President of LCCI expressed great concern over traffic issues, stating that “nothing is being done, and we will face a crisis in two years.” He noted that traffic problems significantly undermine the quality of life for citizens of Limassol and that the city has started losing entrepreneurs and investors who are leaving because of this situation. According to Mr. Tsouloftas, the only solution is the northern bypass highway, but unfortunately, the state is still discussing funding for its design. “Perhaps we need to call on the President of the Republic since it is imperative to include funds in the budget immediately so that the project can begin within the year” he said.
Mr. Andreas Tsouloftas also reminded that Limassol has been included in the EU's Smart Cities program, and if certain projects are not completed, the city will be held accountable in 2030. Furthermore, Limassol is claiming the title of European Capital of Culture for 2030. “It is well-documented and undisputed that Limassol generates 50% of Cyprus’ GDP, and it is unacceptable for it to receive only 10% or 15% of the projects,” concluded the President of the Chamber.
