THE stagnation seen in Larnaca over the years overshadows its natural potential and prevents its growth. The absence of long-term planning and assertive policies call for each and every one of us to work united for the creation of a contemporary and developed city. Such a venture is not easy, but it is imperative under the circumstances. Support by all citizens and especially the state is required. We need to create a unique city,
preserving and highlighting its character, as well as surrounding it with the elements of freshness and prosperity it deserves.
As a coastal city with a seafront ranging from the McKenzie area to Pyla and from the airport to Zygi, Larnaca has nothing to be jealous of in relation to other European coastal cities. Attracting the necessary investment and growth, the whole coastal front could operate throughout the year, facilitating both businesses and tourists. Vertical growth is also required, preserving at the same time the city’s character and exploiting its potential, bringing to life the demand of the citizens for the evolution of Larnaca to a prosperous commercial and tourist centre. Despite the interest expressed so far, the city lacks modern constructions and developments for holiday, living and work accommodation, although such structures
could enjoy the light, the sun and the sea view that the city has to offer.
The same is true for luxurious hotels and other accommodation with the necessary services and infrastructure. The old airport is still unexploited,
although its conversion to a permanent exhibition centre could attract businesses and investors, create new jobs and provide for the availability of
financial resources, bringing Larnaca to the attention of the broader investment and tourist audience. For the city to progress it must also participate in tourism exhibitions, international conferences and other events for the promotion of the town and district abroad.
Larnaca cannot change without the immediate removal of the oil and gas installations from the coastal front and the cleaning and restoration of the polluted land, which constitutes an immediate and compelling necessity. The condition of the roads in the city of Larnaca and the Larnaca- Dhekelia area is also unacceptable and immediate action should be taken for their repair and reconstruction. Indeed, the tourist area lacks the necessary
infrastructure and planning, as well as lighting and pavements.
The picture given to visitors and interested investors is that the city and the tourist area around it is neglected. It is also sad that the city’s port is underperforming and the marina is deteriorating, since with necessary corrections and actions they could operate as growth pillars for the
whole city, with all the benefits associated with them. Furthermore, the city has parks and a salt-lake, but no development plans have been promoted or applied for the exploitation of this natural treasure to date.
For the implementation of all the above and the redefinition of Larnaca on the Cypriot and European map as a modern and prosperous city, the citizens of Larnaca have to increase their participation in municipal affairs, professional and social bodies and institutions have to become more
active and the operation of the municipal affairs has to be conducted with transparency, according to the code of good governance. Today, more than ever, a realistic long-term plan and vision is required in order to utilise the comparative advantages of the city and plan a future for the city of Larnaca.
George Coucounis is a lawyer practicing in Larnaca, Tel: 24 818288, [email protected]
