North Cyprus Inform

Traffic jams soon a thing of the past

Traffic jams and water shortages will soon be less of a problem in Girne, according to its mayor, Sumer Aygin, who has also revealed plans — including a possible cable car link to St Hilarion Castle — this week to boost the town's tourism economy.

While the first stage of the long-awaited Girne bypass is due for completion next year, Mr Aygin said the traffic congestion had been eased by expanding the main east-west road through the town to two lanes in places and work had begun to install street lighting along this stretch.

Another of the mayor's plans is for an additional car park in Girne, behind the castle near Halk Evi, which will have room for 165 vehicles. The 293,000YTL project is being funded by the European Union.

St Hilarion also figures in one of the mayor's touristic visions. He revealed that discussions were under way with the private sector with the aim of funding a cable car system to take tourists up to St Hilarion from Karaoglanoglu, but emphasised that talks were still at a very early stage.

Other tourism-related plans are for a 2,500-seat amphitheatre, which is currently under construction and due to be opened next summer with the intention of helping Girne to become a major tourism and cultural centre. Gift shops, bars, cafes, handicrafts workshops and restaurants are planned nearby, said the mayor.

Mr Aygin said: “We are working hard to ease the traffic problem and to complete the infrastructure in Girne. With the opening of the amphitheatre and the shops and restaurants in this area, Girne will have more facilities for tourists to visit.”

“We were lacking cultural facilities in the town, but with the new amphitheatre we are stepping up a gear.”