Newsroom
A recent building collapse in Limassol that killed two people and injured three others has brought renewed attention to the dangers posed by aging and poorly maintained buildings. The incident has placed pressure on authorities to address a problem that has been known for some time.
Warnings about unsafe structures were raised about a year ago by local government leaders, including Constantinos Yiorkadjis and Yiannis Tsouloftas. They pointed out that dangerous buildings exist across Cyprus, with particularly serious conditions in Nicosia and Limassol.
Several factors have contributed to the situation. Both cities contain large numbers of older buildings, but each also faces specific challenges. In Nicosia, the presence of the Green Line has left many properties neglected, especially in residential areas and within the historic center. In Limassol, rapid development following 1974, combined with the use of lower quality construction materials, has resulted in many structures that are now considered unsafe.
Local authorities, known as EOAs, have indicated that they are prepared to take on responsibility for managing dangerous buildings. However, they have made it clear that they cannot do so effectively without proper support from the central government. Their concern is that responsibilities could be transferred without the resources needed to handle them.
Funding remains a key issue. EOAs rely on revenue from specific service fees such as water supply, sewerage, waste management, and licensing. Regulations do not allow these funds to be redirected to cover the cost of addressing hazardous buildings. At the same time, EOAs are not allowed to receive direct state subsidies under current laws, leaving uncertainty about how such work would be financed.
One possible solution is to increase licensing fees, but this raises concerns about fairness. Law abiding citizens could end up paying for property owners who fail to maintain their buildings. In addition, areas with more unsafe structures, such as Nicosia and Limassol, could face higher costs than other districts, creating an imbalance.
Two main proposals have been put forward. The first calls for targeted government funding dedicated specifically to dealing with dangerous buildings, with local authorities carrying out the work. The second suggests creating a loan system managed through the state. Under this approach, repairs would be carried out even if owners refuse, and the costs would later be recovered through legal claims placed on the property. Higher interest rates would be used to discourage reliance on this option.
Local authorities are also calling for stronger legal powers to respond more effectively. These include the ability to quickly evacuate unsafe buildings, enforce tenant removal, seal or demolish dangerous structures, and secure repayment through legal measures. Officials argue that without faster procedures and stricter penalties, efforts to address the issue will continue to fall short.
The Limassol collapse has made the risks clear. What had been a long standing concern has now resulted in loss of life, increasing the urgency for coordinated action and meaningful reform.
