Parliament’s Audit Committee on Thursday revisited the long-delayed road that would link Strovolos Avenue with Archangelos Michail Avenue, a project deemed crucial for decongesting the network but which cuts through an old water reservoir residents want preserved as a site of historical value.
A 200-year-old landmark at stake
The reservoir, roughly 26 by 26 metres, is believed by local testimony to date to 1817 and is commonly attributed to Archbishop Kyprianos, who residents say funded it to irrigate and supply the area. Known as “the Despótis’ water,” locals argue it underpinned Strovolos’ 19th-century development.
Public Works director Lefteris Eleftheriou told MPs that all technically feasible alternatives were reviewed, but none allow the reservoir’s retention without overturning the project design. He noted the road is included in the Nicosia Local Plan and is expected to reduce traffic on Makariou/Makedonitissas Avenue by about 65% by 2034.
Archaeology split, then consents
The Department of Antiquities initially favoured designating the reservoir a Category B monument, but later agreed to advance the road, judging the public need paramount. Its representative acknowledged the site’s historical significance while saying the direct link to Kyprianos cannot be confirmed with certainty.
The Environment Department reminded the Committee that the project’s environmental terms explicitly required the reservoir’s preservation, stressing these conditions are binding. By contrast, the Deputy Ministry of Culture, Town Planning and the Transport Ministry support proceeding, citing mobility and quality-of-life benefits.
Residents: “A living piece of Strovolos’ history”
Speaking for residents, Antigoni Diakou told MPs the reservoir is a living part of Strovolos’ history, the starting point for irrigation works and olive groves that strengthened the community. “A 200-year-old work that contributed to local prosperity should not be destroyed today,” she said. Residents also warned of a double loss: environmental damage to the Linear Park and Pediaios river habitat, and cultural damage by cutting through the historic Tsifliki/Strovolos estate reservoir instead of showcasing it.
Lawmakers from all parties criticised the fact that a road designed since the 1990s has yet to break ground, and urged authorities to exhaust every possibility to save the reservoir before a final decision on implementation.