Anastasiades opens newly-renovated Ibrahim’s Khan

President Nicos Anastasiades opened the newly renovated Ibrahim’s Khan in the centre of Paphos on Friday night, congratulating all the local officials for their work on its restoration.

He said: “Undoubtedly, Ibrahim’s Khan, in the heart of the city, has always been a point of interest, as it was the meeting place of local and foreign travellers and an important stop for social and trade activities.”

Through the use of the Paphos’ position as a Cultural Capital of Europe in 2017, the president added that the local authorities were able to restore the Khan after years of abandonment.

The project is estimated to have cost approximately €3.3 million, which was part of a €70 million government fund for the city’s development.

“I would not be exaggerating in pointing out that these projects are not just a model of correct management [of funds], but also a viable example of the results, which are possible from the constructive cooperation of local authorities, the government, and state services,” he said.

The president said that in the past few years a total of 34 projects worth €78 million have been completed in various Paphos municipalities, and that another 18 projects worth €109 million are currently ongoing.

The city has been receiving state funding for its projects since 2015, the president added, noting that money has come from either the government or European funds.  Anastasiades said that the city has received over €250 million.

“I will take the opportunity to say that a little while ago, the mayor and I placed the foundation stone of the Multipurpose Social Welfare Centre,” he said.  The project is co-funded by the state and the EU.

Anastasiades added that the centre will be a healthy space, where parents will be able to bring their children or babies if they work in the afternoons.

The government, he said, supports the development goals and dreams of the city.