Around 330 families living at a campsite at Governor’s Beach in Limassol have been told to leave their caravans following the expiry of the contract held by the site manager, who had operated the area for years.
The issue was discussed before the House Refugee Committee, where MPs were told that around 102 families use their caravans as permanent homes and could be left without accommodation if the decision goes ahead.
Residents currently pay €1,500 a year in rent to stay at the campsite.
Some of their children attend Pentakomo school, a factor residents say shows they have established roots in the area.
Some residents recently bought caravans
DISY MP Giorgos Lysandrides, citing information from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, said some people were renting out their caravans through Airbnb.
Others who were unaware that the eviction process had been initiated had bought caravans only recently, leaving them uncertain about their future.
Direct Democracy MP Dimitris Souglis raised questions about the ownership history of the site.
He claimed that after the death of the Turkish Cypriot woman who owned the land, it was sold to a person who had taken over its management. That person subsequently sold the property to a foreign investor who intends to build a hotel.
Souglis also raised concerns about the proposed development’s proximity to sensitive services in the area.
Management of the campsite changed over time
The committee was told that the site was assigned to the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) around 30 years ago.
However, as permanent structures began appearing alongside caravans, the organisation said it could no longer continue managing the area. Management was subsequently transferred to the Pentakomo Community Council.
House Refugee Committee chairman Nikos Kettiros said MPs became aware of the issue after notices were posted at the campsite instructing residents to leave.
He asked the Turkish Cypriot Properties Management Service to provide information about the situation and clarify whether measures could be taken to ensure residents would not be left without accommodation.
Also read: One in three workers earns under €1,500 a month
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