Cyprus has managed to promote important reforms and launch public investments through the Recovery Plan, with more than 40 sponsorship projects announced. The amount available through the sponsorship projects is €460 million. The country has received €262 million from the European fund, with additional tranches expected to be disbursed later this year.
A flower festival was opened by Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou in Yermasoyia, emphasizing the importance of nature and promoting environmental culture for its protection.
Limassol Municipality is expected to issue a building permit by the end of May for the Aura project, which will become Cyprus’s tallest building at 181.5 metres with 44 floors. The skyscraper will be constructed on the former site of the ERA Olympia shopping centre. Investors are finalizing agreements to comply with compensatory measures set by the Municipality, including providing public parking spaces, allocating ground floor space for a municipal art gallery, and making a compensation payment. The project, designed by Foster+Partners, aims to create a modern, environmentally friendly tower that integrates seamlessly with Limassol’s urban environment.
The Cyprus Animal Party strongly opposes the proposal to transform the Limassol Zoo into a ‘Limassol Animal Farm Park’, criticizing both the process and content of the plan. The proposal highlights the need for a more animal-friendly approach, focusing on conservation and education rather than exhibiting animals in cages. The Animal Party calls for transparency in the decision-making process and believes the proposal should undergo another round of public consultation. The zoo has faced criticism in recent years due to issues with animal safety, including the death of a deer and a Savannah cat.
The Cat Protection and Welfare Association (P.A.W.S.) is urging authorities to take action against an individual accused of neglecting cats held in cages for months in Strovolos. P.A.W.S. president Dinos Agiomamitis alleges that the cats, including three who gave birth in captivity, are suffering due to prolonged confinement, with stress causing the mothers to kill and eat their kittens. Despite repeated complaints, relevant bodies like the police and veterinary services have failed to intervene. The cats endured poor conditions, including exposure to harsh weather that led to flooding in the cages. P.A.W.S. is requesting the Attorney General prosecute the individual for animal cruelty, while Strovolos Municipality has already filed charges against the owner for illegal structures housing the cats. The accused reportedly lives away from the location and feeds the cats wet bread twice a week.
The Troodos astronomical observatory was officially unveiled in Agridia, Cyprus, as part of the EU project ‘Geostars’ aimed at promoting similar endeavors in Cyprus and Greece. The project was co-funded by the EU and the governments of both countries, with a budget of €2,678,400. The observatory will be used to promote the development of mountainous areas and attract investments in alternative tourism.
Dozens of pigeons died in Nicosia’s old town after someone poisoned them. The Green party is calling for the culprit to be found immediately.
The 1st Pancyprian Parkour Competition, “Renegade in Action,” has been rescheduled for Sunday, June 2 at 10:30 a.m. at Eleftheria Square in Nicosia. The competition is free and open to all who want to discover the world of parkour and cheer on the athletes.
Gender equality commissioner Josie Christooulou praised the Strovolos municipality for the progress it has made to boost gender equality. The municipality completed four out of five actions set out in an annual action plan for gender equality, including providing facilities such as a breastfeeding and pumping room for new mothers. Strovolos mayor Andreas Papacharalambous emphasized that the breastfeeding and pumping room is accessible to new mothers who work for the municipality or are visiting the building for another reason. The ultimate goal is to change attitudes and promote a more inclusive and humane treatment of all individuals. Gender equality is a government priority that affects daily lives.
Fact: The fire in Limassol’s Turkish Cypriot quarters was determined to be a deliberate arson attack and resulted in the collapse of the old Apollon cinema’s roof and extensive damages to an adjacent house.