Traffic congestion is becoming one of the most serious challenges affecting daily life and the competitiveness of Limassol, with the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) intensifying its efforts to press the Government for specific infrastructure projects, clear implementation timelines and better coordination among government departments.
The issue was the focus of a two-hour meeting between the Board of Directors of the LCCI and the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Evie Tsolaki, who visited the Chamber accompanied by the Acting Director of the Public Works Department and senior officials of the Ministry. The meeting forms part of a broader series of initiatives undertaken by the LCCI, as concerns within the business community have intensified following the realisation that major projects for Limassol, particularly those aimed at addressing traffic congestion, have not been given the expected priority in the 2027 state budget.
The Chamber had pointed out that only three projects, with a total value of approximately €57 million, were included in the budget for Limassol. On 19 October, the Mayors of Wider Limassol and the LCCI made a joint intervention, calling for a reassessment of the budget and greater emphasis on projects that would help alleviate traffic congestion in the city. For the LCCI, traffic congestion is no longer viewed simply as a transportation problem. It directly affects businesses' operating costs, productivity, the attraction and retention of employees, and Limassol's overall image as an international business centre.
This dimension is particularly significant given the strong presence of foreign companies, especially technology firms, in the city. LCCI President Andreas Tsouloftas has repeatedly warned that the continuous deterioration of traffic conditions could affect Limassol's growth prospects and the decisions of major companies that have chosen the city as their base of operations. Following the two-hour meeting, the Minister of Transport acknowledged the seriousness of the problem, noting that, as a Limassol resident herself, she shares the concerns expressed by the Chamber.
She stated that the meeting included a detailed presentation of the current status of each project and the next steps required for their implementation. The Minister's most significant announcement concerned two major road projects. According to her statements, the Ministry aims to launch tenders in 2027 for the Limassol–Saittas road and the Evagoras Lanitis road project, which forms part of the Northern Bypass.
Ms Tsolaki expressed optimism that this target could be achieved, emphasising that officials from the Ministry and the Public Works Department are working intensively to accelerate the relevant procedures. At the same time, two smaller interventions were announced that could provide more immediate relief to traffic congestion. These include the opening of Idomeneos Street and its connection to Sfaktirias Street, as well as improvement works at the Pyrgos exit, including the creation of an additional lane for vehicles heading towards the area.
Particular emphasis was also placed on coordination among the various government departments involved in major road and urban development projects. The Minister stated that the Government is examining ways to make procedures more practical and efficient, reducing delays caused when project files must pass through different ministries and departments. On behalf of the LCCI, Andreas Tsouloftas described the meeting as positive and expressed satisfaction with the participation of senior officials from the Ministry and the Public Works Department. However, he made it clear that concerns within the business community remain significant.
As he noted, the critical issue is no longer solely the intentions of the Ministry of Transport, but whether effective coordination can be achieved with the other ministries and government departments involved. The LCCI President revealed that the Chamber has already sent three letters to the President of the Republic and is preparing a fourth, requesting his intervention to accelerate coordination and the implementation of the projects.
In addition, a visit by the Minister of Interior to the LCCI is expected, specifically to discuss Limassol's major infrastructure projects, while the Chamber continues its contacts with other competent authorities. The discussion also addressed the €15 million threshold above which a feasibility study is required. The Minister clarified that any change to this threshold falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance.
Mr Tsouloftas stated that he has already raised the matter with the Minister of Finance, arguing that the current threshold no longer reflects present-day project costs. As he explained, a project that cost €15 million ten years ago could now cost €25 million due to inflation and increased construction costs. His proposal is to raise the threshold so that smaller projects can proceed more quickly without becoming entangled in lengthy procedures.
Despite its satisfaction with the meeting, the LCCI has made it clear that it will continue to closely monitor project timelines and implementation progress. Mr Tsouloftas did not rule out more decisive action if the other ministries involved fail to respond. Nevertheless, he emphasised that the Chamber's primary objective remains to resolve the problem through effective coordination, concrete decisions and, above all, tangible progress on the infrastructure projects that Limassol urgently needs.
