The absence of any discussion on trade, industry, the tourism sector, and the industrial zones facing major infrastructure issues during the recent visit of the President of the Republic to Limassol—an initiative organized by the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI)—was highlighted by Mr. Vasos Demetriades, LCCI’s Vice President for Industry and President of the Agios Athanasios Industrialists Association.
Mr. Demetriades stated to "Entrepreneurial Limassol" that although the issues discussed during the visit were indeed important for Limassol and relevant stakeholders, the business and industrial sectors would have preferred to raise their concerns directly with President Christodoulides. He announced that a visit to Limassol by the responsible Minister is being planned. During this visit, the Minister will meet with the Chamber and local industries to discuss the challenges they are facing. Initially scheduled for June, the visit by the Minister of Energy, Commerce, and Industry has been postponed to July.
"Certainly, such a meeting will be very helpful, as we will be able to speak directly with the Minister and share the problems of Limassol's trade and industry sector," he emphasized. However, he also pointed out that when such discussions take place in the presence of the President, they carry more weight and can enhance the effectiveness of the Minister's efforts—especially regarding infrastructure problems in industrial zones. Mr. Demetriades further stressed that all industrial areas in Limassol are exposed and should be fenced, with controlled entry and exit for security purposes. He reminded that the Police have repeatedly stated they lack sufficient personnel to patrol these areas, leading to significant thefts and damages, particularly at night.
Regarding the importance of the President’s presence, he referred to a recent event hosted by the Agios Athanasios Industrialists Association under the auspices of President Christodoulides. A long-standing issue was highlighted during that event—the fact that the industrial area has only one entry and exit point, posing a serious evacuation risk in emergencies, considering the presence of over 5,000 workers and visitors.
He noted that the President immediately instructed the Minister of Transport to initiate the process of creating a temporary second exit on the eastern side. The project was approved by the Department of Public Works, and a consultation with the Association was recently held to advance it. The Association aims for the second exit to remain closed at night, accessible only to the Police and Fire Services.
Mr. Demetriades described the project as a significant achievement, which will also help ease traffic congestion during peak hours in the area. "We hope the project will be completed by the end of this year or within the first half of next year," he concluded. Mr. Nikos Trikkis, President of the Administrative Committee of the Monagroulli Industrial Zone, told "Entrepreneurial Limassol" that while there is strong development potential that would benefit the local economy, the state is failing to fulfill its obligations to advance the area’s development.
He added that for five years, there have been promises to build the main road of the industrial zone. Despite having participated in over ten meetings with the Ministry and Parliament, they are still waiting for the Land Registry to carry out the necessary expropriations so Public Works can open tenders. As a result, budgeted funds for the zone are lost year after year. Mr. Trikkis pointed out that when an industrial zone is established, the Ministry is obliged to provide basic infrastructure. He added that water and electricity were brought in by the local communities—one-third by Pentakomo and two-thirds by Monagroulli—but the expropriations remain pending for a zone that was designated as industrial back in 1998.
Mr. Antonis Konstantinou, President of the Agios Sylas Industrial Area Association, stated that the most serious issue faced by the area is a lack of labor. He noted that although the state grants permits for employing foreign workers, there are no nearby housing facilities in Ypsonas, creating serious transportation issues for workers to and from the industrial area. The problem is made worse by the complete lack of public transportation, making this the most isolated industrial zone in Cyprus, with no bus service. Another major issue is fire safety. Following last year’s fires, no fire protection plans have been communicated to the industrialists ahead of the summer of 2025, despite the area being high-risk and mixed-use, meaning it could be threatened at any time.
Mr. Konstantinou also mentioned the failed attempt by a private company to establish a biological treatment plant, and that the Sewerage Board of Limassol (SALA) has made no provision to connect the industrial area to the sewage system—leaving it exposed, especially during ongoing discussions about the green transition. For Limassol’s 1st Industrial Area, Mr. Andreas P. Hadjipanayis, Manager of Trade & Tender at the Remedica pharmaceutical company, told "Entrepreneurial Limassol" that efforts are underway to reestablish and activate the Local Industrial Committee to promote solutions to the area’s problems and submit proposals for sector advancement.
According to Mr. Hadjipanayis, the main concerns include safety issues due to a lack of fencing and controlled access. He pointed out that many factories operate in shifts, and workers are afraid to walk to their cars at night. There is also illegal dumping, abandoned vehicles, and containers scattered throughout the area. Lastly, the 1st Industrial Area suffers from a lack of parking spaces. Mr. Hadjipanayis stated that industrialists plan to propose solutions such as offering incentives for employees to use buses or other transportation methods.
