A centuries-old water reservoir in the Strovolos municipality of Cyprus has become the unlikely focal point of a contentious clash between infrastructure development and cultural preservation. The fully preserved structure, dating to the early 19th century, stands directly in the path of a proposed four-lane motorway intended to link Strovolos Avenue with Archangel Michael Avenue. Following an examination by the parliamentary audit committee, a consensus has emerged among environmentalists and state departments that the only way to save the historic site is to significantly alter the road’s design, elevating it to pass above the ancient monument.
The reservoir’s historical significance is well-documented. Constructed around 1817 under the auspices of Archbishop Kyprianos, it served as a critical public utility, harnessing water for local communities. Its substantial dimensions, measuring 26 metres square, and its construction from local limestone and riverbed materials speak to a sophisticated hydraulic engineering project for its time. Historical cartography, including the renowned 1883 Kitchener map, confirms its longstanding presence in the landscape. Today, it sits within the Strovolos linear park, a stone’s throw from the Archbishop Kyprianos museum, representing a tangible link to the area’s agrarian past and development.
The conflict arose when planners charted the course for the new motorway, its route bisecting the exact location of the reservoir. The issue was brought before the House audit committee, prompting scrutiny from multiple governmental bodies, including the departments of antiquities, public works, and town planning. Their collective assessment, aligned with arguments from environmental groups, underscores the site’s irreplaceable value. Katerina Hadjistylli, Vice-president of the Ecologists Movement, articulated the stakes with clarity. She warned that demolishing the reservoir for the road would constitute "a serious historical blunder and a blow to the cultural heritage of our country." She further enriched the narrative by recalling that locals historically referred to its supply as “the despot’s water,” highlighting its deep social and cultural resonance.
The proposed solution, now gaining official traction, is an engineering compromise: raising the elevation of the motorway to create an overpass that safeguards the structure below. This approach, while technically feasible, would necessitate a redesign of the project, potentially affecting timelines and costs. The alternative—proceeding with the original blueprint—would result in the complete obliteration of a rare, intact monument that has survived for over two centuries.
The impending decision carries considerable weight. It pits the perceived urgency of modern traffic solutions against the imperative to protect a non-renewable historical asset. The outcome will set a precedent for how Cyprus balances progress with preservation. As state entities deliberate, the fate of the Strovolos reservoir hangs in the balance, serving as a test case for whether contemporary infrastructure can be adapted to coexist with the enduring footprints of history.