Newsroom
The Public Works Department has activated a contract clause imposing penalties on Cyfield Construction Ltd. for delays in the completion of the first phase of the Nicosia Ring Road. As of Wednesday, the contractor faces a daily fine of €5,500 until the project is completed. This decision follows the company's failure to meet the extended deadline of July 16.
Minister of Transport Alexis Vafeadis announced the activation of the penalty clause during an interview on Sports FM 95. He revealed that Cyfield Construction had notified Public Works of its inability to deliver the project by the agreed extension date. The ministry rejected a request for a further extension, enforcing the penalty from July 17. Vafeadis indicated that the company expects to finish the project by early August. Should the delay continue for 15 days, the total penalty would amount to €82,500.
Minister Vafeadis emphasized that the enforcement action serves as a stern warning to contractors engaged in public works. He underscored the importance of adhering to contractual deadlines and maintaining high-quality standards. The Nicosia Ring Road project, which began on March 23, 2020, was initially slated for completion by March 22, 2023. Despite obtaining extensions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the contractor has not met the final deadline.
To expedite the work, Cyfield Construction ramped up efforts, including night shifts, but failed to meet the target. The project budget is €60.7 million, and until now, the company had not incurred penalties for delays.
In other news, Minister Vafeadis provided updates on the Larnaca Port and Marina project. The Ministry of Transport recently met with the Larnaca ad hoc development committee to discuss future plans after terminating the contract with Kition Ocean Holdings Ltd. due to project issues. The ministry is preparing a proposal for the president, exploring various scenarios for the port's redevelopment.
The proposed approach involves separating projects based on their timelines to ensure quicker completion of less complex tasks. This strategy aims to expedite residential developments in the port area.
Regarding the troubled Paphos-Polis Chrysochous road project, Minister Vafeadis expressed cautious optimism about resolving issues and resuming work. The ministry recently reviewed proposals from the contractor, INTRAKAT, and is planning a meeting with the company’s CEO, Alexandros Exarchou. Vafeadis highlighted the positive attitude of both parties and their commitment to completing the project, hoping this collaborative spirit will prevail.
[Summary of Apostolis Tomaras' original story in Greek published in Kathimerini's Cyprus edition]
