Police and the Larnaca District Local Government Organisation (EOA) have confirmed serious and longstanding problems at a Larnaca apartment complex, following concerns made public by its management committee.
The issues include complaints of tampering with water and electricity meters, alleged illegal occupation or rental of flats, hygiene concerns and dangerous buildings, with authorities stressing that coordinated action is needed to address the situation.
Police reports and inspections
Larnaca Police spokesperson Spyros Chrysostomou told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) that complaints concerning the complex are made to police from time to time, either by its management committee or individual apartment owners.
He said cases investigated by police include alleged interference with water or electricity meters.
Police also carry out operations concerning people staying illegally in the Republic, he said.
According to Chrysostomou, the most recent such operation at the Larnaca apartment complex was carried out when three people jumped from the third floor. One suffered serious head injuries and later died.
Chrysostomou said police had also recently visited the area alongside the Larnaca EOA and Larnaca Municipality, where they identified very serious hygiene issues and other problems.
He described the situation at the complex as “chaos”.
Authorities have also visited the area together with the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC), he added, arguing that a comprehensive solution is needed to bring the situation under control.
Dangerous buildings being addressed
Larnaca EOA President Angelos Hadjicharalambous told CNA that the problems at the complex have been documented repeatedly.
He said the organisation has acted within its responsibilities to address issues involving dangerous buildings.
According to Hadjicharalambous, the management committee has appointed a private engineer to carry out all required or necessary works.
The Larnaca EOA remains in contact with the management committee and is awaiting an update on those measures, which are intended to eliminate the dangers identified at the site.
However, Hadjicharalambous clarified that alleged illegal occupation or rental of apartments, electricity theft and issues involving access to or the blocking of access points do not fall within the EOA’s responsibilities.
These matters must be examined by the relevant authorities immediately and seriously, he said, with the aim of resolving them.
New checks over suspected water theft
On suspected water theft, Hadjicharalambous said the Larnaca EOA had previously recorded cases and addressed them during earlier operations.
If the practice is continuing, he said another operation will be required to establish whether residents are illegally taking water and to ensure any cases are investigated and dealt with promptly.
Crews will visit the site to determine whether water theft is taking place and, if so, what form it takes.
According to the EOA president, the initial assessment is that any water theft is occurring between private individuals.
He clarified that such cases would not fall under the Larnaca EOA’s jurisdiction but would instead need to be reported to police.
Authorities call for coordinated response
Hadjicharalambous also pointed to concerns over the alleged illegal occupation, use or rental of properties, the number of people living in individual apartments, which may in some cases exceed permitted levels, and nuisance complaints.
He said the relevant authorities must investigate the individual issues and work together on the necessary measures.
Police, the Land Registry, Larnaca Municipality and the Larnaca EOA each have responsibilities within their respective areas of jurisdiction, he said.
All of the authorities involved should examine the problems falling within their remit so that a definitive solution can be found to the longstanding issues affecting the Larnaca apartment complex.
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