The municipality of Limassol approved its 2025 budget of 19 million euros on Thursday.

Mayor Yiannis Armeftis said the budget would "enable the repayment of debt, interest payments and the financing of the actuarial deficit of the pension fund with five million euros".

He added that the budget aims to improve the quality of life and support the development of the city. He stressed the need for improved accessibility and expressed his vision of a "city that is citizen-friendly and actively addresses existing problems."

Transport remains the biggest challenge for Limassol, he noted, adding that the 2025 budget focuses on improving the road network, improving cleanliness and green spaces, promoting animal welfare and enhancing the coastline.

He stressed that while there are “no magic solutions,” the municipality is laying the foundations to achieve its goals, with prudent and responsible financial management remaining a priority.

He thanked the municipal council for the unanimous adoption of the budget .

A significant part of the budget is earmarked for the upgrading of green spaces and public spaces: 4.16 million euros are earmarked for the maintenance of squares, playgrounds, fountains, lakes and tree plantings along the road network – an increase of 63 percent compared to 2024.

Funding for the renovation of squares and parks in the Limassol district will be increased fivefold, from 320,000 euros in 2024 to 1.5 million euros in 2025. 50,000 euros are earmarked for the maintenance of public toilets. In the Tserkezo district, 30,000 euros will be allocated for the renovation of squares and parks.

Funding for sports facilities was also increased: 336,000 euros were allocated for modernization and 300,000 euros for the construction of the Versailles Renaissance Stadium .

New parks and squares are to be built in the Mesa Geitonia district. The cost is 200,000 euros. 100,000 euros are earmarked for the maintenance and construction of walls for 23 existing parks.

In addition, 100,000 euros are earmarked for the repair of tiles in the old town, while the repair of municipal buildings will cost 150,000 euros.

Efforts to improve cleanliness throughout the city will be reinforced by expanding the cleaning fleet. This fleet will include two tractor-trailers equipped with high-pressure cleaners, a water tanker, two road sweepers and three garbage trucks. The total cost is approximately 900,000 euros.

The expenditure for the modernization of the coastline will triple from 710,900 euros to 2.16 million euros.

Animal welfare initiatives are also receiving more funds: 50,000 euros are available for animal shelters, 40,000 euros are earmarked for the sterilization of stray animals and 10,000 euros are earmarked for awareness campaigns on animal protection and animal welfare.

The municipality also announced plans to improve the organization of municipal operations, including hiring 20 specialized staff and establishing a municipal real estate and public space management department and an events office.

Revenues, mainly from taxes, rents and cost coverage, are expected to increase from EUR 67.45 million in 2024 to EUR 75.72 million in 2025. At the same time, interest and loan repayments will amount to EUR 8.5 million and investments will amount to EUR 37 million.

Source: CyprusMail.com

Author: Johanna Pauls