PROJECTS to install storm drains, upgrade sewerage works and other projects in Paphos are turning the road network into a nightmare, exposing 300km of road to chaotic works while inviting 20 compensation claims a week from disgruntled motorists.
The digging up of roads has already led to one death last year while fears continue among local residents over public safety.
The district has taken on a massive project to lay storm drains, upgrade sewerage works and relay electricity and telephone lines in Paphos town and the surrounding villages. While residents await its completion in 2011, some have complained that even the finished roads pose a threat to motorists, remaining full of bumps and dangerous potholes. Adding to their woes is the construction of part of the town’s ring road, causing more delays and misery for drivers, especially those aiming to get to Paphos general hospital.
One recent incident where sewerage works were underway highlighted the serious problems facing motorists when a concrete mixer and a double cabin truck sank into a deep ditch after a residential road collapsed in Chlorakas.
“The road is sinking everywhere, it’s damaging the pipes being laid and also the cars,” said Roger Brooke who has lived on the street for 20 years.
“We’ve been complaining about this for about four months now, it’s a nightmare trying to go down the road, there are rocks and the huge holes. It’s a death waiting to happen,” he added.
Other residents complained to the Sunday Mail of damage caused to their cars and tyres by unmarked deep holes in the roads, which they fear could lead to another fatality. Many are claiming compensation.
Without giving further details, health and safety inspector George Katsanouris confirmed that instances of negligence had been uncovered concerning the death last June of a British holidaymaker in Paphos who fell down a seven-metre ditch on the Tomb of the Kings road.
Eftichious Malakidies, the district engineer of SABBA – the Paphos sewerage board in charge of the works – admitted that there were problems but argued that the board was doing its best in the circumstances.
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Compensation claims flood in as Paphos road works take their toll
