road

Canada’s mild winter disrupts key ice road to remote Arctic diamond mines

by
Canada’s mild winter disrupts key ice road to remote Arctic diamond mines

An unusually warm winter in Canada has delayed the opening of a 400-kilometer ice road used by mining companies to access their diamond mines in the Arctic. The delay is the longest in recent years and is due to climate change and the El Nino climate pattern. The warm winter could risk an early closure of the ice road, impacting the transportation of goods to the mines. The lack of infrastructure in the region is a challenge, and mining companies are pushing for a mega infrastructure project to unlock the mineral riches in the area.

Nicosia court convicts driver in cyclist’s death case

by
Nicosia court convicts driver in cyclist’s death case

A 28-year-old defendant was sentenced to 18 months in prison for causing the death of well-known athlete and cyclist Nektarios Pettemerides in a fatal accident. The defendant was driving at a speed of 75-80 km/h in a 50 km/h zone, crossed into the opposite lane, and hit three cyclists, resulting in Pettemerides’ death. The trial lasted two years, with the defendant changing his plea from denial to admission. Thirteen witnesses testified during the hearing, and the severity of the offense and the defendant’s driving behavior were taken into account in the sentencing.

Two years in jail for killer driver

by
Two years in jail for killer driver

A 25-year-old was sentenced to two years in prison for a fatal traffic accident that resulted in the death of 19-year-old Marilena Perikleous. The accident occurred when the driver overtook a car between Platres and Limassol at a prohibited point, causing a collision. The defendant pleaded not guilty to charges of causing death due to reckless behavior and illegal overtaking. The court also imposed a three-month driving license suspension and ten penalty points.

Driver pleads not guilty to charges in fatal New Year crash

by
Driver pleads not guilty to charges in fatal New Year crash

Fact: The 44-year-old driver of the double-cab involved in the quadruple fatal crash that occurred in the early hours of January 1, 2024 in Limassol pled not guilty to the ten charges brought against him.

Fishermen and restaurants suffer due to Liopetri project delays

by
Fishermen and restaurants suffer due to Liopetri project delays

The Liopetri River formation project in Cyprus, which was supposed to be completed in March 2023, is now a year behind schedule. The contractor has requested another extension until July, but it is unlikely that the project will be completed by then. Delays have been attributed to archaeological finds and the completion date has been pushed back to November 30, 2023. The Interior Minister is expected to discuss options, including granting a new extension or terminating the contract. The delays are affecting local fishermen and restaurant owners. Funding for the project, mostly covered by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, is at risk.

Regeneration efforts in Paphos Anavargos neighbourhood

by
Regeneration efforts in Paphos Anavargos neighbourhood

Fact: The regeneration project in the Anavargos neighbourhood and southern area of the traditional city centre in Paphos aims to improve traffic conditions by implementing traffic policies that prioritize pedestrian movement, limit vehicle speed to 20 km/h, and designate Shared Use Zones to prohibit parking and stopping along the road.

‘Akamas debacle will cost Cyprus dearly’

by
‘Akamas debacle will cost Cyprus dearly’

MPs pressured Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou to reveal information about the investigation on the Akamas road works. Auditor General Odysseas Michaelides requested the report last year to investigate irregularities in the road works. The government has not handed over the investigation to Michaelides, who aims to determine irreversible damages to Akamas and hold responsible parties accountable. The contractor chosen by the government is expected to make claims for delays that he caused. The government’s priority is to protect Akamas’ natural wealth and ensure projects have minimal impact on the environment. MPs raised concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the cause of the damage and who will be held accountable.