By Staff Reporter
Larnaca shopkeepers in the area of Pallas Square held a protest on Saturday over development of the area which is due to begin in September and last seven months.
The retailers are worried that shoppers will not have access to their stores, forcing them to ultimately shut down for good. “For us every day is a struggle for survival especially in this time of economic crisis,” said one shopkeeper.
“Even now with the road open, there are days that we do not earn a living. Imagine what will happen when they start their projects. We will not be here to benefit after their completion.”
Another said: “This is a good project but our businesses are already on a ventilator.”
The project is expected to cost around €1.2m, which will be jointly covered by the government and the municipality.
It includes widening pavements, illumination, and landscaping, and also upgrading utilities’ networks such as electricity, telephone and water, and the expansion of storm drains. The aim is to improve the traffic flow, and offer more comfort and safety to pedestrians.
Larnaca mayor Andreas Louroujiadis said he understood the concerns of the shopkeepers and would support them as best he could. However he said it had been a major achievement to secure funding for a development project in the current climate, and that in the end it could only help businesses in the area. “Together we will find the best possible solution,” he said.
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