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The government has approved plans for new Police and Fire Service facilities in Larnaca, with construction targeted to begin in 2027.
Justice and Public Order Minister Costas Fytiris said the Cabinet had approved the allocation of state-owned land for both projects as part of a programme to modernise police and fire service infrastructure.
The new Larnaca Police Directorate will be built on state land near the city’s courts. The location is intended to make the transfer of detainees to court more efficient, while reducing the time and administrative costs associated with transporting prisoners from detention facilities.
A new Larnaca Fire Station will be constructed near the Rizoelia interchange. According to Fytiris, the location will allow fire crews to respond more quickly across Larnaca district.
Facilities date back to 1950
The current police and fire service premises in Larnaca date back to 1950. Fytiris said the facilities were originally designed to serve an area close to the city centre, while Larnaca has since undergone substantial development.
The new sites were selected with the district’s present-day size and infrastructure in mind, with the aim of improving response times and providing facilities capable of meeting current operational requirements.
The government’s plans form part of a larger programme to upgrade police and fire service infrastructure across Cyprus. Fytiris said new facilities are also planned for the Nicosia and Limassol Police Directorates.
The minister said the site allocation process for Larnaca had now been completed, with the government aiming to begin construction during 2027.
Police drug operations to be intensified
Fytiris also said police efforts against drug trafficking would continue to increase, pointing to recent arrests of suspected dealers and drug seizures.
He described illegal drugs as a major threat, particularly to young people, and said combating drug trafficking remained one of the Police’s key priorities.
The minister was also asked about sick leave among prison officers at the Central Prisons. He said the matter followed findings by the Auditor General, which were sent to the Attorney General’s Office. The office subsequently ordered an investigation.
On the provision of security personnel for political figures, Fytiris said the Cabinet was expected to make a decision in the coming days. He said the issue would not require new legislation and that security arrangements for political party leaders and current or former officials would be assessed on an individual basis.
