The message that effective project management is a cornerstone of modern governance and a catalyst for the upgrading of the country's infrastructure, everyday life and economic development has been sent by the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Alexis Vafeades.
And, according to its head, the Ministry is responsible for managing complex, large-scale projects, which in total amount to €1.9 billion.
In his address at the 9th Project Management Conference, organised by the PMI Cyprus Chapter, the Minister stated that Cyprus today has a greater need than ever for a mature, resilient and technologically enhanced project management ecosystem.
He emphasised the fundamental importance of Project Management as a process that transforms vision into reality. He also underlined that project management is a "necessary foundation" that ensures that goals are achieved on time, within budget and with a high quality of standards.
“With meticulous planning, efficient execution and continuous monitoring, we can ensure that each project delivers real value to the communities and people we serve,” he said. Proper management, he added, reduces risks, enhances communication and ensures the proper use of resources, he pointed out, and that these are particularly critical elements in the modern era.
€1.9 billion projects managed by the Ministry
Vafeades underlined that the focus of the Ministry of Transport's work is the effective management of large-scale, complex projects. These include transport infrastructure, ports, airports and important public buildings, with a total budget of approximately €1.9 billion.
These projects, as he mentioned, are not evaluated solely on the basis of technical progress or economic absorption, but through their contribution to the government's long-term goals: sustainable development, strengthening competitiveness, improving mobility and upgrading the quality of life.
Modernisation, transparency and digital tools
The Minister presented the key reforms promoted by the government, which aim at a public administration that is more flexible, efficient and capable of responding to the challenges of the future.
The axes of this modernisation include:
-
Integrating modern Project Management practices in the design and implementation of public projects
-
Introduction of digital tools that enhance transparency, monitoring and accountability
-
Continuous training and retraining of human resources
-
Cultivating a culture of collaboration with professional organisations, academic institutions and the private sector
Vafeades stressed that the government has set as a central priority the transformation of public investment into tangible benefits for citizens. From safer road networks to more resilient buildings and upgraded transport infrastructure, each project is part of a broader national strategy for sustainable development and digital transformation.
"Collaboration is key for successful projects"
The Minister made particular mention of the importance of partnerships between the public and private sectors, the academic community and professional bodies such as the PMI Cyprus Chapter. “No great effort can succeed without collaboration,” he noted.
PMI's contribution, he said, has been crucial in upgrading professional standards, strengthening skills and disseminating shared values of excellence. "This collaboration is fully aligned with the government's strategy to strengthen our national capabilities," he said.
Climate resilience, digital transformation and sustainable mobility
The Minister concluded his speech by pointing out that the challenges of the next decade - the climate crisis, the need for resilient infrastructure, sustainable mobility and the digital transition - require strong political will and a Project Management culture at all levels.
He stressed that the government remains committed to a strategy based on transparency, professionalism and proper planning, adding that the contribution of professionals in the field is crucial to the success of this effort.
In closing, he congratulated the PMI Cyprus Chapter for the excellent organisation of the event and thanked all the representatives of the public and private sectors who "work tirelessly for projects of high value and lasting impact."
(Source: InBusinessNews)
