President Nikos Christodoulides reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting Cyprus’ mountain communities through deeds rather than promises, as the country marked one year since the devastating wildfire that struck the Limassol mountain region on July 23, 2025.
Speaking on Thursday evening during the inauguration of the renovated central square and upgraded streets in the village of Omodos, the President paid tribute to the two people who lost their lives in last year’s fire and expressed solidarity with residents who suffered the loss of homes, property and livelihoods.
“The Government has stood by those affected from the very first moment,” President Christodoulides said, adding that the immediate priority had been to support households, farmers, livestock breeders and businesses impacted by the disaster.
He said he has personally monitored the implementation of recovery measures and noted that, one year later, the Government is close to fulfilling the commitments it made. According to the President, repair works have been carried out on 998 homes affected by the wildfire. Of the 13 appeals submitted, mainly from residents of Agios Therapon, six have already been resolved, while four remain under review and are expected to be addressed shortly.
President Christodoulides described the Omodos redevelopment project as an example of what can be achieved through cooperation between central government, local authorities and communities, saying the goal is to revitalise mountain areas while preserving their traditional character.
He also announced that the Government will finance the remaining phase of the Omodos redevelopment project, worth approximately pound 500,000, following a request by the village council.
Looking ahead, the President said the Cabinet will soon consider projects to be funded through more than pound 1 billion in European Union financing and encouraged communities to prepare mature project proposals to secure funding for local development.
He added that more than pound 654,000 has already been allocated for projects in Omodos, with further announcements expected soon.
President Christodoulides described Omodos as one of Cyprus’s most authentic traditional villages, known for its rich cultural and religious heritage, wine-making tradition and hospitality, attracting around two million local and international visitors each year.
CNA/SK/EC/AGK/2026S, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY