The works at the New Cyprus Museum were inspected by Min. of Transport – Dept. Culture
The Minister of Transport, Alexis Vafeadis, and the Deputy Minister of Culture, Vasiliki Kassianidou, visited today the construction site of the New Cyprus Museum, in order to be informed about the progress of the construction works, as the Deputy Minister of Culture said in her statement to the KYPE on Monday, attending a meeting with title "European Capital of Culture for the year 2030", held in Nicosia.
They expressed their satisfaction with the progress of the construction works of the New Cyprus Museum after their visit to the Museum construction site on Tuesday morning.
Furthermore, Mr. Vafeadis mentioned that there are requests to extend the construction of the project due to unforeseen circumstances and spoke of efforts being made so that the maintenance of the building is included in the contractor's contract, something that was not done from the beginning. Ms. Kassianidou noted that the concrete pillars found in the summer have already been removed.
In his statements, the Minister of Transport stated that there was an update from the team representing the state on the progress of the works, on the staffing of the team that monitors the projects, on some problems that exist and how the matter of solving them is approached in order to comply of the schedule.
"It's a project we're all very proud of and we're monitoring it closely to make sure it progresses according to the timelines and contract requirements so it can be delivered as soon as possible," Mr. Vafeadis stressed, expressing confidence that the New Cyprus Museum "will be a jewel for our country".
Responding to a question if the project is on schedule, the Minister of Transport noted that there are requirements for some minor extensions due to unforeseen conditions that have been identified at the construction site, adding that this is being managed by the relevant committee in accordance with state procedures and will soon be resolved.
Then, referring to the unforeseen conditions that have arisen, Mr. Vafeadis pointed out the need to do more excavations and to locate more water underground. "These matters have created additional work, but the relevant committee will judge whether this has caused delays or whether parallel work should be done to avoid delay," he explained.
In response to another question, the Minister of Transport said that the additional work brings some increase in the cost, noting that he is waiting for the experts of the state to come up with the cost.
Speaking about the financing of the project, Mr. Vafeadis explained that it is a project from the state budget, clarifying that the total cost is set at around €140 million, but does not include the ten-year maintenance. "It is not possible to take over a building and not include maintenance. When there is a need for maintenance, a better job is done, which reduces the cost of maintenance," he pointed out.
In addition, he said that "we always apply in the contracts the obligation of maintenance to do a better job". In this case, of the New Cyprus Museum, maintenance was not included, he explained. "It is something we are studying and we want to put it as an additional obligation," he added.
For her part, the Deputy Minister of Culture, Vasiliki Kassianidou, said that the concrete pillars were found in the summer. "The matter has been resolved, since they have already been removed," he added.
"This project is emblematic of our country," she said, referring to the New Cyprus Museum. "The Cyprus Museum is 100 years old, so the work we are preparing is for many generations to come. It is our responsibility to make a museum that will represent our culture and become a place to attract visitors", he emphasized.
"I see how well the cooperation of the Department of Public Works with the contractor works. It is one of the biggest projects he has undertaken", pointed out Ms. Kassianidou, expressing pride "for this great project".
At the same time, as he said, the Department of Antiquities is preparing for the completion of the project, preparing the exhibits, texts and digital applications, "so that, when the building, which is only a part of the Museum, is finished, we will have at our disposal 18 months for the objects to arrive and the Museum to open."