Statements by the General Secretary of the C.C. of AKEL S.Stefanou on a tour of the Paphos District

 

12 December 2021, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

The countryside is neglected and in decline. The young generation is being forced to abandon the countryside because of the problems that exist and the needs that are not met by the numerous government schemes that have been announced from time to time.

It is evident that there is a need for the existing schemes that are being promoted for the countryside to be adjusted and new ones be added that can respond in a concrete, practical and effective way to the needs arising in the countryside’s peculiar and very difficult conditions.

The government ruling forces tell us the same thing, particularly with regards the housing scheme that the government has announced with a great deal hype in every local community of remote mountainous areas. The scheme doesn’t meet people’s needs and does not in actual fact benefit the people who want to build a home and remain in the area.

As AKEL we have frequently made representations to the government about this housing scheme, which needs improvement, correction and adjustment. We shall continue these petitions and representations. AKEL will once again submit our specific proposals on how the schemes should be formulated and we hope this time that the government will open its ears and listen to people’s real existing problems.

It is one thing for the government to verbally declare that it supports the people and communities in the countryside, but quite another what it announces can be implemented in practice. And unfortunately, these schemes cannot be implemented and they do not meet the real needs of residents in the countryside.