Reform must succeed to ‘improve peoples’ lives’

Local authority reform must succeed for the good of municipalities and their residents, Disy leader Annita Demetriou and Nicosia mayor Charalambos Prountzos agreed on Tuesday.

They discussed challenges surrounding local authority reform, and possible solutions.

“We put forth our concerns over how [local authority reform] is funded, and the need to add more funds to meet the needs of citizens,” Prountzos said.

The two also discussed how Nicosia could be revitalised, despite the challenges it faces as the last divided capital of Europe.

“Municipalities are the vehicles that can improve peoples’ quality of life,” he added.

Demetriou noted the budget was also discussed, as were matters related to the functioning and modernisation of the capital.

Asked to comment on the new parliament building, Demetriou said the matter must be discussed.

The budget includes an amount for studies on the building, but Demetriou said that was nowhere near enough.