A significant investment of €5.6 million aims to resolve long-standing issues at Kato Pyrgos fishing shelter. The area has faced chronic problems due to sand and dead seaweed accumulation, primarily Posidonia, which has led to operational difficulties requiring costly and frequent cleaning and deepening efforts.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
Kato pyrgos: Addressing Operational Challenges
President Nikos Christodoulides announced the project during his recent tour of the Tillyria region, emphasising the importance of supporting sea professionals for local development. The Public Works Department has reported that each cleaning intervention costs between €400,000 and €500,000 and occurs approximately every 1.5 to 2 years, imposing a significant financial burden on the state budget.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
A Permanent Solution in Sight
The need for a permanent, technically viable, and environmentally compatible solution has been underscored by these recurring expenses. The new improvement project has undergone detailed planning, supported by an approved Environmental Impact Assessment Study. Notably, the European Union is expected to co-finance the initiative through its Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme for 2021-2027.
Details of the Proposed Improvements
The proposed solution is designed to be both technically and environmentally optimal. Key components include:
- Construction of new windward and leeward breakwaters.
- Repositioning the entrance towards deeper waters.
- Demolition of existing structures with plans for reusing rock blocks where feasible.
- Creation of access corridors for cleaning vehicles, enabling future maintenance without dredging.
- Installation of pipes and channels for harbour basin water renewal.
- Creation of a fresh seawater system through a fountain.
This selection process was guided by technical and environmental criteria aimed at ensuring calm within the harbour basin, effectively addressing the silting issue, and reducing long-term maintenance costs while protecting the sensitive marine environment.
Long-Term Project Viability
The construction of this project is expected to have a lifespan of 50 years, with functional adequacy projected for 25 years. Plans for re-examination and potential upgrades will be implemented as future needs arise. Additionally, based on a request from the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, the project design will include provisions to double the number of berths from 16 to 30, accommodating both professional fishermen and vessels from the Naval and Port Police.
Environmental Considerations at the Forefront
Environmental protection is a priority, with the ecological study encompassing an inventory of local biodiversity, shoreline evolution simulations, and 3D physical modelling. The project aims to avoid extensive deepening that could affect the seabed, ensuring minimal disruption to the local ecosystem.
President Christodoulides indicated that the Agriculture Ministry, in collaboration with the Public Works Department and the National Technical University of Athens, is already studying optimal solutions, with the related study expected to complete by 2025. Following this, project tendering will commence, with completion and operational functionality anticipated around 2026.
Local Economic and Social Implications
Kato Pyrgos fishing shelter plays a vital role in the local economy and the social fabric of a geographically isolated area. The planned upgrades are expected to enhance vessel safety, ensure the sustainability of fishing professions, and promote tourism and environmental development in the region.
The state’s commitment to this significant investment signals that the future of Kato Pyrgos will rely not on temporary fixes but on substantial, long-term interventions that respect and protect the natural environment.