Hundreds of unsafe buildings put Lefkara residents at risk

Hundreds of buildings across Lefkara are considered dangerous, with many at risk of collapse, local officials warn, raising fresh safety concerns in the wake of a deadly incident in Limassol.

Mayor Sofoklis Sofokleous says the problem has been building for years, pointing to abandoned homes, neglected heritage properties and Turkish Cypriot buildings, many of them in severe disrepair. Some owners live abroad, making it even harder to take action.

According to the mayor, warnings to government authorities have gone largely unanswered. He says he has repeatedly contacted ministries, planning authorities and even parliament, calling for stricter legal measures and inspections. Despite submitting proposals and photographic evidence, little progress has been made.

His frustration comes in the shadow of tragedy. Two people died when a building collapsed in Limassol over the Easter weekend, a case that has reignited concerns about unsafe structures across the island.

In Lefkara alone, the scale is striking. In Pano Lefkara, around 555 listed buildings have been recorded, many with serious structural issues. About 100 of those are Turkish Cypriot properties, several in particularly poor condition. Similar, though smaller, problems exist in nearby communities including Vavla, Layia, Skarinou, Kornos, Delikipos and Kato Lefkara.

In some cases, local authorities have stepped in. In Layia, buildings on the verge of collapsing were demolished after owners failed to act. But the mayor says municipalities lack the legal tools and resources needed to deal with the issue effectively.

He is clear that demolition is not the goal. Many of these buildings carry historical and cultural value. But when safety is at stake, difficult decisions have to be made.