Nicosia city center development and traffic disputes

The Municipality of Nicosia is planning a redevelopment project for the historical pedestrian streets of Ledras and Onasagorou, aiming to upgrade utilities and building facades with an estimated cost between 30,000 and 40,000 euros per storefront. The project, which is scheduled to last 4-5 months per section, has met with significant opposition from local shopkeepers who express concerns regarding business disruption and potential delays. Simultaneously, a separate dispute involves the partial reopening of Makariou Avenue to traffic. Mayor Charalambos Prountzos has requested confirmation from the Minister of Transport, Alexis Vafeadis, regarding funding for a necessary feasibility study to justify changes to the original pedestrian-only design. Municipal groups including DISY, DIKO, ELAM, and EDEK support the reopening, citing increased traffic pressure and poor accessibility caused by ongoing infrastructure works like the closure of Kritis Street. The Ministry of Transport maintains that changes require a new, documented traffic study, while municipal sources report that the decision remains frozen due to a lack of response from police and traffic authorities.