New harbour opens at Zygi

THE INAUGURATION of the new Zygi fishing shelter between Limassol and Larnaca took place yesterday at the presence of President Demetris Christofias and other officials.

The fishing shelter serves three basic goals, Christofias said during the ceremony.

“It serves the needs of Zygi fishermen and the greater Larnaca-Limassol region; it creates new jobs and significantly upgrades the greater area,” said Christofias.

The works took four years to complete and cost €41 million and can accommodate more than 250 vessels.

The shelter was co-funded by the European Fisheries Fund, a fact which EU commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Maria Damanaki said made her proud. “EU citizens’ money was well spent here,” said Damanaki who was in Cyprus for the event.

The works carried out were substantial and included deepening of the seabed, installing breakwaters and retaining walls, drainage and sewerage works as well building roads and wooden docks with green spaces and walking areas with footpaths for visitors.

There is also a car park, toilets and a reception area where visitors can buy fish.

“We’ve inaugurated development works which aim to improve the quality of life and work conditions of the average Joe. This shelter besides being beautiful is valuable for the people whose daily bread comes from the sea,” said Christofias.

”The local fishermen of Zygi and the region of Larnaca and Limassol now have a secure base with modern facilities, which will help increase their income and improve their living conditions.”

Christofias said that although fishing was a relatively small sector of the economy it contributed significantly to the socio-economic development of coastal areas.

The president also spoke of the EU common fisheries policy, which is due to come to fruition when Cyprus takes over the EU presidency in the second half of 2011.

“The forthcoming Cypriot Presidency of the European Union is one of the major challenges in the history of Cyprus and we are working hard towards this difficult task.”

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