Cyprus Faces Scrutiny Over Lack of Accountability in Public Projects

Cyprus is embroiled in controversy over the lack of accountability in its public infrastructure projects, with recent reports highlighting significant issues in the management of bus stops and other developments. The government has been criticized for spending €60 million on 'futuristic' bus stops that offer little practical protection from the elements, despite contributions from the European Union.

Thousands of foreign workers in cities like Paphos and Nicosia endure harsh weather conditions while waiting for buses that often run late and arrive empty. This situation has forced many to purchase old cars for commuting, undermining the public transportation system's reliability. These new bus stops, while aesthetically pleasing, fail to address the vital need for shelter.

Panayiotis Kaparis, a prominent critic, highlighted the inadequacies in an opinion piece, describing the scene of a woman with a cane lying on the ground in front of a bus stop in Paphos. He remarked, *"An image is worth a thousand words, a visual is a gut punch,"* encapsulating the harsh reality faced by many commuters.

Why this matters: The lack of accountability in public projects in Cyprus has broader implications for the country's development and the trust of its citizens in the government. If left unaddressed, it could lead to further erosion of trust and hinder the country's ability to achieve sustainable development.

Suspicion of collusion and corruption has further eroded trust in the private sector, which has historically supplemented state functions. Major projects in Cyprus often stall because of irregular contracts and cost overruns, despite having four layers of oversight intended to prevent such issues. This inefficiency is contrasted with countries like the US, where independent auditors rigorously scrutinize public spending.

The Republic of Cyprus, now 64 years old, has a long history of mediocrity, corruption, and incompetence, according to Kaparis. He suggests that the country must acknowledge its unique challenges and devise solutions designed specifically to its needs, rather than attempting to emulate other nations' approaches.

In a related development, Cyprus' Minister of Transport, Communications, and Works, Alexis Vafeades, recently announced the termination of a contract with Kition Ocean Holdings Ltd, the company responsible for redeveloping and operating the Larnaca Port and Marina area. The decision followed the company's failure to provide concrete assurances and follow through on commitments despite four months of efforts to salvage the agreement.

Vafeades emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, stating, *'We had no choice but to terminate the contract,'* and highlighted the government's meticulous adherence to the contractual procedure. This move highlights the broader issues of accountability and governance within Cyprus.

The Akamas roadgate scandal further exemplifies these issues. Roadworks in the Akamas region ignored environmental conditions, resulting in roads twice as wide as permitted and unnecessary roadside walls. The design and placement of new bridges across streams, critical for the endangered European eel, were poorly executed. Despite warnings from the Water Development Department, the works continued until environmental NGOs intervened.

The ongoing Griffon vulture crisis also highlights the need for accountability. Efforts to save the critically endangered species are hindered by the Electricity Authority's (EAC) failure to address high-risk power lines. In the past two years, five vultures have died as a result of power infrastructure, with nine Bonelli's eagles lost since 2018.

Civil society organizations like Terra Cypria and BirdLife Cyprus play a vital role in protecting key sites and holding government departments accountable. The government must release the findings of its investigation into the Akamas roadgate scandal and take decisive action to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Cyprus faces significant challenges in ensuring accountability and transparency in its public projects. Addressing these issues is essential for restoring public trust and achieving sustainable development.

Key Takeaways

• Cyprus' €60 million "futuristic" bus stops lack practical protection from the elements.
• Thousands of foreign workers endure harsh weather conditions while waiting for buses.
• Lack of accountability in public projects erodes trust in the government and hinders development.
• Suspicion of collusion and corruption plagues major projects in Cyprus.
• Government must prioritize transparency and accountability to restore public trust.