The new Paphos-Polis motorway: Why the million-dollar project has been at a standstill for years and is now to be restarted
The new Paphos-Polis motorway: Why the million-dollar project has been at a standstill for years and is now to be restarted
After decades of discussions, the Polis Chrysochous region is finally to be connected to the Cypriot motorway network. For residents, commuters, tourists and businesses, the new connection is considered one of the most important infrastructure projects on the island. But the way there was marked by delays, disputes and a failed construction contract.
A history of more than 20 years
The first plans for a highway between Paphos and Polis Chrysochous began as early as the early 2000s. The aim was to better connect the north-west of Cyprus to the existing motorway network and to promote the economic development of the region.
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- significantly reduce the travel time between Paphos and Polis,
- strengthen tourism,
- increase road safety,
- facilitate freight traffic,
- and relieve the previously winding B7 country road.
Despite political approval, the project was repeatedly delayed by environmental assessments, financing issues, tenders and legal procedures.
Construction not to start until 2022
Although the construction contract was already signed in 2021, the official groundbreaking ceremony took place on July 1, 2022.
The first construction phase covers around 15.5 kilometres between Agia Marinouda or Mesogi and Stroumpi.
The costs of this first phase were originally around 73 million euros, or just under 87 million euros including VAT.
The original contractor
The contract was awarded to the Greek construction company Intrakat, which now operates under the name AKTOR Group.
The contract stipulated that the first construction phase should be completed by November 2024. However, this goal was clearly missed.
Why was the construction stopped?
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According to the Cypriot Ministry of Transport, the project already stalled considerably during the construction work.
The problems included:
- significant construction delays,
- technical difficulties,
- changes to the project scope,
- disputes over additional services, and massive additional demands from the contractor.
Intrakat finally demanded additional payments of over 32 million euros as well as an extension of the construction period until April 2027.
At that time, however, only about 21 percent of the work had been completed.
Has the contractor gone bankrupt?
no.
Contrary to various rumours, Intrakat or AKTOR is not insolvent.
Rather, the construction contract was terminated by the Republic of Cyprus due to significant contractual problems and insufficient construction progress.
After the dismissal, AKTOR initiated several legal proceedings against the state and tried to have the new tender stopped by the courts. The government rejects the company's claims and is demanding damages for its part.
Who is building the motorway now?
After the contract was terminated, the government decided to put the project out to tender in its entirety.
A new award procedure was launched in 2025.
According to the current status, a new general contractor is to take over the work that has already begun and complete the motorway. However, as of this writing, no final construction contract has been published.
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Why are costs rising?
Due to the construction stop, numerous works had to be reassessed.
In addition,
- there are price increases for building materials, higher wage costs, additional planning services, adjustments to environmental regulations, review of work already carried out. As a result,
- the estimated costs for the first phase alone have already risen to around 95 million euros.
What will the new motorway look like?
After completion, a modern expressway will be built with:
- Total length: 31 kilometres
- 11 junctions
- 25 underpasses
- 8 bridges
- 7 viaducts
- 3 tunnels
In addition, new connecting roads will be built to:
- Prodromi
- Limni
- Mesogi
The route passes through the following places, among others:
- Mesogi
- Stroumpi
- Giolou
- Miliou
- Skoulli
- Goudi
- Chrysochou
- Polis Chrysochous.
There are currently different schedules for this.
Following the re-evaluation of the project, the Cypriot government expects a construction period of around three years once the new contract is fully awarded.
Long-term infrastructure surveys currently assume that the full motorway could be completed by around 2031. However, this date depends on the progress of the ongoing tenders and possible further legal proceedings.Significance
for the Polis/Paphos region
The motorway is considered a key project for the entire north-west of Cyprus.
Polis Chrysochous, Latchi and the Akamas region in particular could benefit economically. Shorter travel times are likely to strengthen tourism and improve accessibility for residents, businesses and emergency services. Investors and real estate developers have also been watching the project closely for years, as modern transport connections can significantly increase the attractiveness of the region.
It remains to be seen whether the new schedule will actually be adhered to. After more than two decades of delays, the government is under considerable pressure to finally successfully complete one of Cyprus' most important road construction projects.
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Author: Tom Weyermann
Sources: wikipedia.org / financialmirror.com / en.Philenews.com / en.politis.com.cy
