Dorita Yiannakou
The budget for the design and construction of the Paphos-Polis Chrysochous Motorway has risen by €10 million, with the total cost now estimated at approximately €95 million. The project, which is expected to be completed within three years, has faced numerous delays and challenges. According to information from Kathimerini, the state plans to recover part of the additional cost from the original contractor, Intrakat, in accordance with the terms of the initial contract.
Current Status and Next Steps
The Department of Public Works is conducting a detailed assessment to determine the cost of the work completed and what remains to be done. This evaluation, which includes a review of activities carried out during the contract period from May 27, 2021, to November 26, 2024, will inform the preparation of the final invoice for Intrakat. The department is also fast-tracking the preparation of tender documents for the first phase of the motorway project to ensure the new tender can be announced promptly.
Intrakat’s Contribution and Shortfalls
Over the course of 2.5 years, Intrakat completed works valued at €14 million, just 21% of the contracted total. This represents only one-fifth of the project, well below the original plan to complete the first phase by November 2024. The initial budget for the contract was €72.979 million (€86.850 million including VAT), underscoring the scale of the delay and cost overruns.
Project Details
The Paphos-Polis Chrysochous Motorway project encompasses the design and construction of Section 1, Phase A, spanning approximately 15.5 kilometers from Ayia Marinouda to Stroumbi. This section includes two traffic lanes, with provisions for two additional lanes in a future phase. Key infrastructure features include:
- One grade-separated junction at the start of the project, connecting to the Limassol-Paphos motorway near Ayia Marinouda, with plans for a future Tsada interchange.
- One terminal roundabout near Stroumbi, where a future Stroumbi/Kathikas interchange is anticipated.
The project aims to improve connectivity and infrastructure in the region, but its challenges highlight the complexity of large-scale public works in Cyprus. The Department of Public Works remains committed to resolving these issues and advancing the motorway's construction.
This article was translated from its Greek original
