Parts of Paphos-Polis road ‘close to collapse’

Sections of the main Paphos to Polis Chrysochous road are once again becoming dangerous and prone to collapse at and around the entrance to the community of Giolou.

On New Year’s Day 2020 a large crack first appeared in the road section, which widened due to heavy rainfall, causing a landslide on the side of the road beside a ravine.

Three years on, the community is once again up in arms about the lack of proper management of the recurring problem, community council member, Sylvia Antoniou told the Cyprus Mail.

“The community of Giolou itself has already spent close to €3,000 out of its own coffers to feed workers during the previous road works and pay people to be at the site guiding traffic at the detour points,” Antoniou said, adding that the community was still waiting to be refunded for the public expense.

“The problem doesn’t just affect Giolou, it affects residents of all the neighbouring communities, people commuting to work, students, ambulances and other services,” Antoniou pointed out.

The council member noted that three new problem spots have appeared where the road substrate has become visible and collapse is likely imminent after rains.

Previously the road section has been closed off for months, with detours required through Kathikas and Steni which could add up to 30 to 40 minutes to the journey to and from Paphos.

Asked if a letter had been sent to the transport ministry, Antoniou said the community was prepared to send such a letter jointly with the other affected communities along the route, however, they were hoping for a prompt response from local and district officials and avoidance of further deliberations over such an urgent matter.