Akamas road project delayed again as investigation continues

Decisions on key issues surrounding Akamas—particularly potential disciplinary proceedings for the first phase of the road network and the resumption of related work—are running behind schedule. However, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment estimates that necessary procedures, which would signal the go-ahead for announcements, are nearing completion. Meanwhile, compensatory measures for landowners in the area remain on track, with applications for annual financial support having opened in late October.

On the subject of possible disciplinary action related to Phase A of the road network, sources close to Kathimerini revealed that the investigating officer from the Legal Service recently submitted a third consecutive request for an extension to the Cabinet. This request, which cites a heavy workload due to extensive material requiring review, would extend the deadline for delivering findings to the responsible minister, Maria Panayiotou. Previously, the investigation had been granted an extension until late October, while initial plans aimed for completion by the end of August. The investigation, commissioned by the Council of Ministers at Ms. Panayiotou's request, came in response to findings indicating possible disciplinary violations. It seeks to substantiate these claims through a review of testimonies and related materials.

Members of Parliament's Environmental Committee are also awaiting the minister's submission of findings from three prior administrative investigations, along with the forthcoming conclusions. Following a discussion last July, Ms. Panayiotou assured members there was no intent to withhold information, explaining that the material from the third investigation was with the investigating officer and thus unavailable for submission to Parliament at that time.

Regarding the resumption of work on Akamas, the Ministry now expects to release definitive timetables in November, after initially planning for a September announcement. Sources indicate that expert studies are complete but still awaiting review by the Department of Environment to ensure minimal environmental impact, followed by presentation to the relevant minister. Once these steps are fulfilled, Ms. Panayiotou is expected to announce timelines for the resumption of Phase A and revised plans for Phase B of the road network. The completed study will determine the scope of necessary adjustments in Phase A before setting the final schedule.

Challenges surrounding Phase Two remain significant, primarily involving technical adaptations of initiated projects to align with the area's environmental and physical characteristics. Additionally, current infrastructure consists only of round pipes and rectangular culverts. The expert study highlighted the importance of allowing free water flow, particularly to ensure eel migration to the sea, and incorporates input from the Department of Environment. The final project decisions will determine which infrastructure elements will remain, which will be removed, and which may require modifications.

As for Phase B, which has not yet begun, discussions continue over the extent and layout of planned roads and the scope of infrastructure hubs. A primary issue has been water supply for visitor facilities, given opposition to installing pipelines. Alternative solutions, such as watertight tank systems, have been proposed as modern, eco-friendly options.

According to the Ministry, applications for compensatory support for Akamas landowners opened in late October and will continue until November 21. The program offers an annual subsidy of up to €6,600 per beneficiary and is part of the Akamas Local Plan’s compensatory measures. Aimed at rewarding landowners who preserve their plots in a natural state, the initiative seeks to protect the region’s landscape and biodiversity, contributing to a sustainable future for Akamas. With a total budget of €25 million allocated through 2028, the measure will be reviewed after five years, assessing its impact and considering any additional socio-economic initiatives to further benefit the area. The subsidy is available to individuals and organizations that own private land within the Akamas Local Plan’s designated areas, including urban protection, agricultural, and livestock zones, which collectively cover approximately 93,460 hectares.