New village clusters start work with HQ selection

Most of the 30 Village Clusters created by local government reform have proceeded with the establishment of their headquarters, permanent secretary of the interior ministry Ellikkos Elia said on Saturday.

However, he added that in a small number of clusters – made up of villages not included in any of the new municipalities – there was no majority in the selection of the headquarters and Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou will designate the headquarters.

“There are a small number of Clusters in which, at the first meeting of their councils, there was no majority in the selection of the seat of the Cluster, while in another small number of Clusters, some communities, expressed complaints about the way the seat was selected,” Elia said.

He said each cluster’s council was expected to select their headquarters by a majority vote.

However, some complaints have been filed to the interior ministry about the voting for the headquarters, necessitating the minister to step in.

He added that in cases where there was no majority, then the interior minister would decide on the headquarters of the cluster.

Elias said a training session of proper practices in each cluster for hiring and procedures was held for Nicosia, Larnaca, and Famagusta communities.

He added that further trainings would follow for the other districts.