Forest Department Responds to Audit Office on Akamas

The Forest Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment announced that it has taken seriously the recommendations of the Audit Office regarding the contracts of the Akamas National Forest Park.

According to the announcement, the Forest Department has already taken steps to improve the procedures for promoting new construction projects and monitoring the relevant contracts. In addition, it has promoted the training of staff on contract management, legislation and regulations.

The Forest Department states that the improvements made following the recommendations of the Audit Office are recorded in the relevant report, which demonstrates the will for continuous improvement. The issue of the guarantees of the construction contract of Phase A for the improvement of the road network is being handled by the competent Authorities.

The projects in the Akamas National Forest Park area were designed after efforts to reconcile the positions of various services and ministries. Currently, actions are underway for Phase A to restart with a reduced environmental footprint, provided that the necessary approvals are obtained.

The Forest Department emphasizes that its basic principle is the protection of Akamas and its promotion as an environmental treasure, and is cooperating with the competent departments to revise the original plan.