Two additional properties scheduled for demolition
Two more dangerous residential buildings are being demolished in Larnaca, according to Angelos Hadjicharalambous, President of the Larnaca District Local Government Organisation (EOA).
Speaking to CNA, Hadjicharalambous said demolition works were scheduled for Thursday and Friday at two unsafe homes located on Stavrodromiou Street in Larnaca.
The latest demolitions follow the removal of a house in the Sotiros area at the end of May, where three women had been living, as well as a second property demolished last week after its roof collapsed in mid-May.
Dozens of buildings under review
Hadjicharalambous said authorities are currently dealing with another 35 potentially dangerous buildings, mostly in Larnaca.
The properties also include apartment blocks and houses located in the municipality of Dromolaxia-Meneou and other communities.
Owners will be notified and instructed to take the necessary measures to remove any safety risks.
“If the required measures are not taken within a specified timeframe, we will proceed with evacuating the buildings, in line with the procedures followed in such cases,” he said.
Faneromeni apartment block officially ordered to vacate
The EOA has also formally secured a court order for the evacuation of the apartment building in the Faneromeni area that was recently declared dangerous.
Although the building had already been evacuated following a notice issued by the Licensing Director, authorities sought the additional court order to formally serve it on the property’s owners.
The organisation will now move ahead with fencing off the building and installing additional warning signs to protect the public.
“We want to ensure the safety of people passing through the area and prevent access to the building,” Hadjicharalambous said.
Housing challenges for displaced residents
The evacuation of the Faneromeni apartment block created significant challenges for the 40 residents who had been living in its 24 apartments.
Authorities also had to find solutions for the storage of furniture and personal belongings removed from the building.
Hadjicharalambous said the Ministry of Interior, Civil Defence and the Municipality of Larnaca provided assistance during the relocation process.
However, he criticised the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare for not becoming involved.
“We expect greater involvement from the Deputy Ministry in managing similar situations, because these issues need to be properly regulated and addressed,” he said.
Calls for legislative changes
Hadjicharalambous also called for amendments to the existing legislation, arguing that current procedures are too slow and prevent authorities from acting quickly when dangerous buildings are identified.
“We are awaiting legislative changes that will allow us to deal with these cases immediately, without losing valuable time,” he said.
“We want to be more practical and resolve these issues as quickly as possible, but the current legal framework makes that difficult.”
Also read: 22-year-old student kidnapped in Larnaca, ransom demanded from father
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
