The Larnaca regional authority is asking the government for €15 million to pay for extra expenses caused by archaeological discoveries during sewage work.

The finds slowed down the project and made it more costly. On May 28, the authority’s president, Angelos Hadjicharalambous, said that the extra work was needed because important ancient artefacts were uncovered. This meant the original plans had to change, and costs went up.

He also said the amount of water used but not billed has dropped from 55 per cent to 38 per cent since new towns joined the system. The aim is to reduce this figure to 20 per cent through ongoing efforts. Hadjicharalambous asked people to help stop illegal building in the area. The authority is creating a list of unsafe buildings, which is a major concern.

The sewage system’s phase two is going well and should finish by the end of September. Phase three, costing €108 million and covering Dromolaxia-Meneou, Kiti, Perivolia and Tersefanou is on track. Flood protection work is also happening in the Kamara area. Some contracts have faced delays because of the archaeological work, especially near ancient Kiti. This caused extra costs and forced changes in how the work is done.

Plans for phase four, which includes Aradippou, Livadia, Oroklini and Pyla are ready to start soon. Road resurfacing has been completed in areas where sewage work was done, like Agios Lazarou and Alexandrou Panagoulis streets. Flood protection work on Grigori Afxentiou Street will begin when city centre redevelopment allows.