Paphos municipal swimming pool to reopen following public protests

On Monday evening, October 12, 2026, athletes, coaches, and parents gathered outside the Paphos Municipal Hall to protest the closure of the Evagoras Pallikarides Municipal Swimming Pool. The facility had been inaccessible for four to five weeks, forcing local clubs and students to train outside the district. Participants demanded immediate action and a clear timeline for the pool's reopening to ensure training could proceed ahead of the upcoming championship season.

Following the protests, Paphos Acting Mayor Angelos Onisiforou held a meeting with a delegation from the Cyprus Sports Organization (KOA), led by General Director Vasos Koutsiountas. On October 14, officials confirmed that the closure was caused by pump malfunctions. The municipality announced that the pool is scheduled to resume full operations this coming Friday following necessary repairs. During the interim period, local clubs, including the Paphos Nautical Club, were facilitated with access to the 50-meter pool in Coral Bay.

In related developments, authorities are coordinating the long-term renovation of the Evagoras Pallikarides facility. Additionally, the Olympic Swimming Pool in Geroskipou is expected to be fully functional by late November, marking a broader effort to upgrade local aquatic infrastructure for the community and student athletes.