Delays to Larnaca–Dhekelia road project spark concerns for tourism sector

The road infrastructure project connecting Larnaca and Dhekelia, which began in September 2020 with a budget of €17,657,220, is facing further delays. Despite an initial completion deadline of March 2025 and a revised extension until April 2026, the contractor has requested additional time. This marks the fourth year of construction activity in a primary tourist zone, leading to site abandonment complaints regarding rubble and overgrown vegetation. ETAP president Dinos Lefkaritis sent a formal letter to President Christodoulides on March 23, 2024, requesting urgent intervention to expedite the works. Local businesses report increasing hotel cancellations and reluctance from tour operators to finalize agreements due to the project's impact. These economic challenges are being compounded by cancellations resulting from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Stakeholders express frustration over the lack of a clear timeline for the project's completion.