Delays and weaknesses in the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan of Cyprus (RRP) are recorded by the report of the Audit Service, pointing out that a large number of milestones and targets were not achieved based on the initial planning, creating risk of loss of funding.
The delays led to repeated modifications of the plan, with shifts of timelines and changes in targets. Until the audit, the RRP was modified four times, of which two concerned individual measures, while a fifth modification has also been submitted.
Particular concern is caused by the transfer of many milestones and targets to the last quarters before the end of the RRP, increasing the concentration of obligations and reducing flexibility. Their number increased from 86 to 101, intensifying the risk of non-achievement and consequently loss of funds.
The delays also affect the disbursements, with absorption reaching 56% about one year before the end.
Among the main causes of delay are mentioned the immaturity of projects, the non-realistic timelines, problems in public contracts, delays in licensing, increased delivery times of equipment and reduced interest of participation in schemes. In addition, administrative weaknesses, economic and political factors also affect.
The Audit estimates that there is a risk of non-completion for most of the measures that were examined, while the delays also affect the disbursements, with absorption reaching 56% about one year before the end.
Finally, it is pointed out that, although there were technical consultations, there was no institutionalized and comprehensive consultation process, while the documentation of choices was limited, a fact that affects transparency and the quality of planning.
Source: Καθημερινή Κύπρου
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