A year after the termination of the initial contract, not a single meter of the Paphos–Polis Chrisochous road has been constructed. Compounding the delays, the feasibility study for the project now faces significant legal entanglements that threaten to derail its overall timeline.
Contract Termination And Emerging Legal Battles
The project hit an early setback when the Ministry of Public Works terminated the contract with the company AktoR on November 11, 2024, due to non-fulfillment of contractual obligations. Despite the ministry’s subsequent efforts to re-initiate the bidding process, AktoR challenged the revised terms published in the Official Gazette on August 8, 2025. The company contended that the new conditions detracted from the fundamental principles of administrative law, specifically citing concerns over transparency, equal treatment, and fair competition.
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Revised Schedules And Continued Delays
Originally, the adjusted schedule placed the submission deadline for bids on November 7, 2025. However, after legal interventions and a series of appeals, the Ministry of Public Works sought approval from the Review Authority to postpone the deadline to February 6, 2026. This change was rationalized by the need to avoid the necessity of a complete re-announcement, a situation that could trigger further delays. In addition, the timeline for submitting and clarifying questions by economic operators was extended significantly, underscoring the complexity of the procurement process.
Temporary Measures And Their Implications
In a bid to safeguard its interests, AktoR successfully obtained temporary measures that halted the acceptance of bids. The company’s legal argument, favoring the modification or supplementation of the tender terms, aimed to ensure compliance with established public procurement norms. Even though the Ministry of Public Works presented its case by highlighting the negative consequences that might arise from issuing such measures, it was left to the Review Authority’s judgment to decide the outcome. A hearing was set for November 3, 2025, with a decision expected by the end of November or early December, promising to minimize further delay.
Looking Ahead: A Stalled Construction Timeline
Despite attempts to expedite the project and commence construction promptly, the procedural complications have pushed the final bid submission date to February 6, 2026, marking a substantial postponement from the initial termination in November 2024. As debates continue and the Review Authority’s decision looms, stakeholders remain on edge, awaiting clarity on a project that is pivotal for the region’s infrastructure development.
The unfolding situation illustrates the persistent challenges in managing large-scale public infrastructure projects, where legal, administrative, and commercial interests often intersect, leading to significant delays and operational uncertainty.
