The urgent need for financial and administrative autonomy of the District Local Government Organizations through state financial support was underlined by the President of the District Local Government Organization of Larnaka (DLGOL), Angelos Hadjicharalambous. In the context of a press conference on the occasion of the completion of one hundred days since the establishment of the organization, Mr. Hadjicharalambous stressed that ensuring the financial sustainability of the Organizations will lead them on a path of development and progress.

Mr. Hadjicharalambous, during his presentation, analyzed the problems and challenges faced by the District Local Government Organization of Larnaka during the first months of its operation. Particular emphasis was placed on the need for proper staffing and filling of vacant positions either through internal reorganization or through the announcement of new job positions, based on the Organization Chart approved by the Ministry of Interior. The shortcomings were particularly noticeable in the areas of licensing and water supply. Of vital importance for the further development of the organization is the approval of the budget that has been prepared and is expected to be approved by the end of October.

At the same time, Mr. Hadjicharalambous referred to the actions that DLGOL has implemented, within the framework of its commitment to the provision of direct and accessible services. These include the creation of a 24-hour Service Line from the first day of operation of the organization, as well as the operation of three Citizen Service Offices in Athienou, Kiti and Lefkara, with the aim of creating new service channels, including ‘one stop shops’ for citizens.

In his report on the challenges, Mr. Hadjicharalambous stressed that the biggest problem in the licensing sector was managing the change in work culture, dealing with the increased volume of applications, implementing and operating the new computer system (Ippodamos), inadequate staff training, returning 60% of revenues to local authorities and managing the recent urban planning amnesty. In the context of these challenges, the District Local Government Organization of Larnaka is proceeding with a rational organization of work, simplifying procedures, proper staffing and implementing monitoring indicators, which are measured and evaluated on an ongoing basis.

Regarding the water supply sector, Mr. Hadjicharalambous pointed out that the DLGOL took over networks that had been neglected for decades, resulting in serious operational problems and water losses that, in some areas, exceed 50%. After recording and evaluating the situation, the DLGOL prepared a comprehensive action plan for the upgrade of the networks and the reduction of water losses.

The President then referred to the sewage system. He presented the projects currently underway in the Larnaka district, such as the 3rd Phase of the Sewerage System, while emphasizing that the flood control projects are progressing at a steady pace, while significant investments are being made in critical infrastructure. At the same time, the 4th Phase of the Sewerage System is expected to begin in 2025. Special mention was made of the joint effort of the DLGOL and the Municipality of Larnaka to improve the road network through asphalt paving on the roads that suffered damage due to stormwater and sewage works.

Regarding waste management and green points, the organization aims to develop an action plan to design new policies, improve waste management and reduce waste ending up in landfill, as well as to promote recycling. The network of green points has been expanded with the operation of a new point in Troulloi, while the operation of additional points is planned.

Mr. Hadjicharalambous referred to the organization’s next steps, stating that he is fully aware of the difficulties and problems faced by DLGOL. However, these do not constitute an obstacle, but rather an incentive for the organization to meet the expectations of citizens. As he characteristically stated: “We are determined to address every problem, providing solutions with the aim of achieving DLGOL’s vision of providing quality and direct services. By keeping an open line of communication with citizens, we are creating a reliable, digital and green organization, which will offer a high quality of life to our customers.”

In this context, special emphasis will be placed on the green and digital transition through the implementation of new innovative technologies and internal systems for processing tasks (employee web portal, DMS, ERP), a ticketing system, the upgrade of the web portal and the installation of smart meters.

The presentation was concluded with Mr. Hadjicharalambous noting that the aim of the organization is to respond to the needs of citizens. To this end, daily meetings are held with local authorities and residents at the provincial level, while bulletins, announcements and brochures are issued to inform the public.

Minister of Interior, Constantinos Ioannou, gave a short address, who stressed the commitment and readiness of the Ministry of Interior for continuous cooperation with the Local Government Organizations to solve any difficulties they face, helping to strengthen them in order to reach the desired level of response and service to our fellow citizens. At the same time, he pointed out that the Ministry of Interior will be in constant rapid response to any problems that arise, in the exercise of its supervisory role and in close cooperation with the Local Government Organizations and Local Authorities.

The press conference was attended by, among others, the President of the Union of Municipalities, Members of Parliament, Presidents of the Larnaka District Community Councils, Municipal Councillors and other representatives of Local Authorities and important stakeholders.

The conference concluded with a question and answer session for journalists and the public.