Newsroom
The Famagusta District Local Government Organisation will no longer examine planning or building permit applications from individuals or companies that owe money for water or sewerage services, its president Yiannis Karousos said Wednesday.
Karousos said the organisation’s board has decided to link outstanding debts directly to licensing procedures, meaning applications for residential or tourist developments will be frozen until all dues are settled. He described it as unacceptable for large business owners to seek permits while leaving significant debts unpaid.
Under the new procedure, applications will be checked for outstanding obligations, and applicants will be notified to clear their debts before the review process can continue. The measure, approved by the board in December, aims to improve revenue collection.
Karousos said the organisation is also exploring legal options to publish a list of major debtors, noting that 43 entities owe more than €10 million in total. Consultations are ongoing with data protection authorities and legal advisers, and Karousos has called for legislation to allow public disclosure of debtors.
Separately, the organisation plans to boost productivity through the introduction of artificial intelligence. A private firm has been commissioned to develop a detailed implementation plan by department within two to three months. AI is expected to handle routine tasks such as email responses, public inquiries and administrative work, allowing staff to focus on core duties.
Karousos also confirmed plans to install smart water meters across the free Famagusta district through cooperation with the Smart Cyprus platform, citing a lack of government grants as a factor pushing the organisation toward the initiative.
