Yeroskipou Mayor Michael Pavlides told the Cyprus Mail that the project dubbed ‘Ra’ after the Egyptian sun god could break ground by the end of the year, if all of the relevant permits and licenses are secured in time.Pavlides, who along with fellow councilors are backing the project, said: “This is a very exciting proposal for Yeroskipou and Paphos as a whole, as it will help lift the local economy and create thousands of new jobs.”

The mayor, along with other officials, met with some of the investors in Nicosia three weeks ago to examine plans for the proposed project which include a marina for 500 boats, an art academy, an aquarium, three large hotels, apartment complexes and other buildings.

A number of the project’s architects flew in for twenty four hours to present their proposal. Pavlides said that the investors are from a host of different countries including Hungary, Russia, the U.S., Singapore, Hong Kong and Portugal. He also pointed out that the conglomerate has a proven tack record and has built a number of similar successful projects in other countries.

“During the construction period around 6,000 jobs will be created and when the project is finished and up and running it will employ close to 10,000. It’s an enormous project and a great opportunity,” he said. According to the mayor, the investors are currently undertaking an environmental impact study and the relevant government departments are examining the plans ahead of permits being issued. “I believe the permits may be issued in a matter of weeks which means work could start before the end of the year. It will take four years to complete.”

Pavlides noted that one of the investors, a Hungarian, is a resident of Cyprus and the area was chosen as it is a prime stretch of land which is close to the sea and currently undeveloped. The project will cover an area of three square kilometers starting next to the Phaethon hotel on the seafront, running along to the municipal beach at La Plage and then backing up to the new motorway, which connects Yeroskipou directly to Paphos airport.

Different plots which are earmarked for the project are currently owned by the state, the church and private owners.

Emphasising the enormity of the new plans, Pavlides said: “This investment would see 30,000 people as visitors and residents to the project. This is a serious and professional project and is exactly the type of investment Cyprus needs at the moment.”

Source: Cyprus Mail