By Bejay Browne.
The centre of Paphos old town and the market area will be made more accessible to everyone, with particular emphasis on those with mobility problems, the local municipality announced.
It said that in order to make the traditional shopping centre of Paphos one of the most accessible and functional in Cyprus, it was going ahead with a series of improvements in the area.
Mayor Phedonas Phedonos signed a contract which will see, among other improvements, the construction of ramps for wheelchair users, special signs for the visually impaired, and services placed underground, it said.
“The mayor signed a contract with D. Kouppis & Sons Construction Co Ltd the contract for the execution of the project “Construction of facilities and improvements in the Paphos Shopping Centre”, with a total cost €153,000 and a duration of six months,” the municipality announced.
Phedonos noted that the area of the traditional shopping centre is a matter of high priority for the municipality, which was why it continues to make improvements and upgrades there aiming to greatly improve accessibility, especially for people with mobility and other problems, and will further landscape and improve the functionality of the area.
Within the framework of the project, ramps will be constructed for people with disabilities and special needs, along with signs for the blind, guides and information signs will also be put in place, corrections will be made to street lighting poles, existing water meters will be placed underground and service cabinets created, it said.
In addition, metal railings will be placed on external stairs of premises, the construction of new stairs and corrections to existing ones will take place, as well as other works that will improve safety and accessibility in the area.