The government announced on Friday the construction of a new fire station in the rural community of Pachna, in a move aimed at improving emergency response times and strengthening fire protection in the mountainous areas of Limassol district.

The project was unveiled during a press briefing attended by key government officials, including Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades, and Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis. Also present were the commissioner for the development of mountain communities, Charalambos Christofinas, director of the public works department, Lefteris Eleftheriou, Fire service chief, Nikos Longinos, and the head of the Pachna community council, Andreas Savva.

The €747,830 project (excluding VAT) is fully funded by the state budget and will be carried out by A.G.E.K. Ltd, following a public tender. The contract was signed on May 27.

Construction will last 16 months and include reinforced concrete buildings to house essential facilities. These will include offices, a kitchen, restrooms, sleeping quarters, a server room and more. A garage for emergency vehicles and a training tower will also be built. Additional landscaping and infrastructure works are planned to support the station’s day-to-day operations.

Transport Minister Vafeades said the project forms part of the government’s broader push to invest in meaningful infrastructure across the island. 

“This is about putting in place what is truly needed,” he said. 

“Step by step, we are improving the state’s preparedness and standing with every community in need.”

Officials at the event emphasised that the new fire station is particularly important given the increasing risks of wildfires due to rising temperatures and prolonged dry seasons. Mountainous villages like Pachna are often difficult to access quickly from major cities, making local fire response essential.

Justice Minister Hartsiotis added that the station will not only serve Pachna but will also support surrounding communities, enhancing public safety in the region.