Residents and the management committee of an apartment complex in Larnaca have raised serious concerns over the conditions at the property, including alleged utility theft, unauthorised occupation of apartments, threats and suspected drug-related activity.
The allegations were raised in statements to the television programme “Mesimeri kai Kati”. The claims have not been independently verified.
Residents describe fear and alleged illegal activity
Residents alleged that water and electricity are being illegally connected, rents are not being paid in some cases and people have occupied apartments without the owners’ consent.
One resident said people living at the complex feel unsafe but do not intend to leave their homes.
Another alleged that water and electricity connections had been tampered with and that residents had faced threats and damage to common property.
The residents also alleged that police had visited the complex, while calling for further action by the authorities.
Management committee raises safety concerns
Management committee president Marios Fotiou said the complex faces serious problems beyond the condition of its buildings.
Following letters from the Larnaca District Local Government Organisation (EOA) concerning the safety of the buildings, the management committee appointed civil engineers to inspect the structural condition. An official report is still pending.
Fotiou said preliminary indications suggest the building is structurally sound, but stressed that the final assessment will depend on the engineers’ report.
Alleged illegal utility connections
Fotiou also alleged that electricity and water had been illegally connected between apartments.
According to him, the Electricity Authority of Cyprus intervened and disconnected the unauthorised connections from the central meters after identifying exposed cables and potentially dangerous electrical work.
The management committee subsequently removed the illegal connections, but Fotiou alleged that some were later reinstalled.
He also said he had received threatening phone calls from withheld numbers and that complaints had been made to police over alleged intimidation of residents.
Claims over unauthorised occupation of apartments
Fotiou alleged that a group of four or five people had taken control of around 30 apartments and were renting them to third parties without the owners’ consent.
He further claimed that some owners had been prevented from accessing their properties and that, in some cases, money was allegedly demanded before access was allowed.
The committee president also said it had received information alleging drug trafficking and dealing at the complex, stressing that these were allegations reported to the committee and had not been independently established.
EOA calls for official reports and evidence
Larnaca EOA president Angelos Hadjicharalambous said the complex has concerned residents, authorities and the wider Larnaca community for several years.
He said the EOA’s role is limited to issues concerning the safety of the buildings and whether measures are required.
Hadjicharalambous said the organisation had notified property owners and remained in contact with the management committee while a private engineer assesses the buildings.
He added that, at first sight, the buildings appear structurally sound, but the final assessment will depend on the completed study.
Regarding allegations involving electricity and water theft, unauthorised use of spaces, childcare and suspected drug activity, Hadjicharalambous said these matters fall outside the EOA’s responsibilities.
He called for formal reports and evidence to be submitted to police so the allegations can be investigated and appropriate action taken where responsibility is established.
Authorities urged to investigate allegations
Fotiou called on the relevant authorities, including the Migration Department and police, to investigate the allegations and take action where offences are established.
He said the management committee has had good cooperation with the EOA and the Electricity Authority of Cyprus in addressing the problems at the complex.
The committee is now focusing on what it describes as illegal activity at the property, while stressing that any alleged offences should be investigated by the competent authorities.
Also read: Larnaca complex residents report intimidation and illegal electricity connections
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