The local government reform has significantly improved Nicosia’s municipal operations, reducing the deficit by 80 per cent and addressing over 75 per cent of citizen requests.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
- The local government reform has significantly improved Nicosia's municipal operations, reducing the deficit by 80 per cent and addressing over 75 per cent of citizen requests.
Local government: Transformative Changes Over Two Years
Mayor Charalambos Prountzos presented a review of the first two years of the newly established metropolitan municipality, highlighting a successful transition following the merger of multiple municipal authorities. The reform aimed to enhance efficiency and transparency within the local government structure.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Financial Recovery and Citizen Services
During the presentation attended by Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou, deputy mayors, and local organisation representatives, Prountzos outlined key achievements. He reported that the municipality has made 659 decisions since the reform’s implementation, all driven by a commitment to collective decision-making. This approach has fostered a culture of transparency and accountability.
The municipality has tackled inherited financial burdens, ageing infrastructure, and equipment shortages. Through stringent control of revenues and expenditures, the local authority has managed to cut down its deficit by an impressive 80 per cent. Efforts to combat tax evasion have also played a role in this financial turnaround.
Improving Public Services
Service delivery has seen substantial enhancements, with the establishment of five service centres and a unified call centre. The municipality has also expanded its digital services. Over the past two years, Nicosia received 22,594 requests across 84 categories, of which 17,457 have been completed, yielding a completion rate of over 77 per cent.
Environmental management has been a focal point, with over 22,000 new trees planted and the maintenance of 1,052 green spaces. Waste collection services have improved by 50 per cent, and the municipality now oversees 177 parks and 106 playgrounds, with 15 playgrounds newly created or upgraded.
Pioneering Sustainable Initiatives
Nicosia has also launched Cyprus’ first citizens’ energy community, named “Lefkothea,” as part of its commitment to sustainable development and the green transition. This initiative is vital for promoting environmental responsibility among residents.
Sanitation and Public Health Improvements
In the realm of public health, the municipality reported the removal of over 4,500 truckloads of garden waste, bulky items, and rubbish. Additionally, 2,199 abandoned vehicles were cleared from the streets, and 122 environmental fines were issued for violations.
The establishment of 21 designated cat-feeding stations and new dog parks demonstrates a commitment to animal welfare. Moreover, the municipality conducted 883 inspections of food premises to ensure compliance with health regulations.
Digital Innovations and Cultural Growth
Nicosia has embraced digitalisation, completing an automated irrigation system and developing a comprehensive geographic information system. Smart parking and smart waste applications are already in operation, with plans to install 7,000 sensors under the Smart Cyprus project.
The municipality’s cultural sector has flourished, with more than 150 annual events and three municipal museums. Nicosia has garnered international recognition, including Europa Nostra awards in 2025 and 2026 and the title of European Best Cultural Destination for 2025.
Social Services and Community Engagement
In terms of social welfare, 3,578 individuals benefited from social services in 2025, with €522,000 allocated to charitable organisations. The budget for social programmes in 2026 is nearly €3 million, marking the highest allocation for social policy to date.
The revitalisation of the historic centre continues, with the arrival of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the University of Cyprus in Faneromeni, anticipated to attract around 1,000 students by 2029.
Positive Resident Feedback
A recent survey conducted by the Cyprus Forum Cities indicated that 73 per cent of residents now approve of the municipality’s performance, a notable increase from 66 per cent the previous year. This positive feedback underscores the effectiveness of the reforms and the municipality’s dedication to enhancing residents’ lives.
