Green light for private marinas

THE HOUSE of Representatives has given the green light to the private sector to build and run new marinas on the island.

The House Commerce and Tourism Committee yesterday backed the pet project of Commerce and Tourism Minister Nicos Rolandis, which seeks to promote the construction of privatised marinas.

A bill defining exactly how privately-owned marinas will be constructed and operated will go to parliament before the summer recess later this month. The committee’s discussion on the matter was completed yesterday.

Deputies assured the minister that the bill would be approved. Rolandis said this would allow his ministry to accept tenders for the construction of the marinas in autumn.

“The appropriate bill will be presented to the House next week, and I’d like to hope that it will be passed,” Rolandis said after the meeting. “This means that the road will open so we can proceed with the marinas.”

Four new marinas — in Limassol, Paphos, Ayia Napa and Protaras — are expected to be privately built, while two existing marinas — in Larnaca and at the Limassol Sheraton — will be privatised.

Rolandis said he was working together with Limassol Mayor Demetris Kontidis to decide on an appropriate location for the new Limassol marina.

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