AKEL expresses growing concern about the smooth implementation of the Local Government Reform

 

25 October 2023, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

The implementation of the local government reform is facing serious challenges. This is the conclusion of today’s meetings of an AKEL delegation, led by Parliamentary Representative Giorgos Loukaides, with the Mayor of Polemidia, the management and employees of the Limassol Water Supply Council and the Limassol – Amathus Sewerage Board.

Among other things, the meetings have revealed that the issue of the untimely approval of the organisational chart of the District Self-Government Organisations creates a justified climate of uncertainty and insecurity among the employees, while the degree of readiness of the District Organisations to take over and successfully implement from the first day of their operation the field of licensing, a responsibility that is known to have been transferred to them, is a matter of concern.

The Parliamentary Representative of AKEL characterised as inadequate the structures for monitoring and implementing the local government reform, as well as the absence of a roadmap with checkpoints and clear timetables.

Finally, Giorgos Loukaides reiterated AKEL’s firm commitment to the reform of the institution of Local Self-Government, in a way that it will contribute to the progress of local communities and the improvement of services provided to citizens. Furthermore, he pointed out that a series of actions that the Party will take, both in the Parliamentary Committee of Interior and outside Parliament, to address the challenges and resolve the pending issues related to local government reform.

The AKEL delegation included Giorgos T. Georgiou, District Secretary of AKEL Limassol, Organisational Secretary Stefanos Stefanou and AKEL Limassol Municipal Councillor Michalis Sokratous.