Zampelas announces plans but the citizens aren’t convinced
NICOSIA Mayor Michalakis Zampelas yesterday admitted that Nicosia was in a dire state and announced projects that would be completed to improve the island’s capital.
Yet, despite the Municipality Council’s efforts to improve the city’s appearance and functionality, some residents of Yeni Tzami and Vorios Polos are tired of living in run down areas and demanded the Municipality look into the many problems they are facing.
One woman from Yeni Tzami addressed Zampelas, who was speaking at a news conference, and asked him why the Municipality had handed out empty promises to fix the area, as nothing had yet been done.
“We are living in an awful area, with no order, graffiti and disturbance,” said the woman. “I have sent letters to the Municipality and I have received a reply saying that the matter will be looked into.” Yet, she maintains no steps have been taken in the direction of improving the run down area.
Another man from Vorios Polos said he was tired of simply hearing the mayor spout out promises that come to nothing. “We want the Municipality to act on their word,” said the man.
During the press conference Zampelas spoke of embracing Nicosia, as it needed people’s love. Yet the man from Vorios Polos said that he didn’t feel the Municipality was embracing the town.
“You have given us a list of projects and when they will be completed, yet you have not told us when they will begin,” said the man.
Zampelas responded to the disgruntled citizens by saying that the Municipality was working on three areas, Kaimakli, Pallouriotissa and Omorfita and once those projects were completed he would look into the other areas.
First on the agenda was Pallouriotissa Square, which was completed in May 2004. Work on the youth centre opposite Ekali is already underway as Zampelas wants a recreational centre for the youth.
“With our crime rate soaring, mainly by foreigners, we want a place where young people can go,” said Zampelas.
The Municipality plans to improve the roads of Ayios Ilarionos, Kennedy Avenue and Larnaca Avenue. Certain roads in the areas will be re-tarred and pavements built.
Drainage pipes will be installed in Kaimakli and the project is expected to be ready by December 2004. The Municipality also wants more trees in the Pernera-Pallouriotissa area.
Other projects include work to be carried out on the Ayia Varvara Church in Kaimakli, while an athletic centre in Vorios Polos will be completed by September 2005. Two futsal football fields have also been slated for the park in Kaimakli.
Zampelas said that the Municipality did not need to borrow any money to work on the projects as they looked into their budget and saw and that they had enough to fund the projects.
He ended by saying that the Municipality wishes to serve the people and its town, but stressed that citizens have a part to play. “We do all that we can, sometimes this is not appreciated,” said Zampelas.
