Girne–Çatalköy road set for mid-June completion

Prime Minister Ünal Üstel has announced that the Girne–Çatalköy road project is targeted for completion by mid-June.

Ünal was speaking during an on-site inspection at the ongoing Eastern Girne–Çatalköy road project.

He was accompanied by Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı, officials from Capiton Construction Ltd., and local residents.

Speaking during the visit, Üstel acknowledged the inconvenience caused to residents, businesses, and hotel operators in the area, asking for their continued understanding.

He stressed that the government is fulfilling its promise and that the road will soon be completed, transforming what he described as a “road of suffering” into a modern and safe dual carriageway serving the region.

Üstel noted that the project was first tendered in 2012 but was cancelled due to expropriation issues, adding that no progress had been made by subsequent governments until now.

Highlighting the importance of cooperation, Üstel said obstacles encountered during the works—along with winter conditions—should be resolved in coordination with local authorities, while also criticizing what he described as unnecessary populism.

He added that teams from the Cyprus Turkish Electricity Authority are working to relocate obstructing electricity poles, and that asphalt works have resumed as weather conditions improve.

According to information provided by the contractor, the road is expected to be completed by mid-June, while the official tender period runs until July 1.

Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı stated that unexpected challenges arose due to an unregistered high-voltage line running beneath the road, requiring additional funding to relocate it.

Arıklı said the necessary financial resources will be secured following instructions from the Prime Minister, allowing delays to be resolved shortly.