The issue of dangerous buildings in Limassol cannot be handled in a fragmented way and requires immediate mobilisation and coordinated action from all involved authorities, Limassol Mayor Giannis Armeftis said following the collapse of an apartment building in Germasogeia on Holy Saturday.
He stressed that the municipality has already prepared a relevant report and informed the Limassol District Local Government Organisation (EOA Limassol), which assumed responsibility for the matter on 1 April 2025.
Hundreds of inspections carried out
According to the mayor, authorities inspected 415 buildings. Of these, 69 private buildings were declared dangerous and 43 required immediate repairs.
Among apartment buildings, 27 were classified as dangerous and 53 required urgent intervention. In addition, 34 listed buildings were also deemed unsafe.
He added that the municipality had previously declared around 130 buildings as dangerous while still holding responsibility for the sector.
Significant cost estimates
A municipal study estimates that addressing the dangerous buildings in Limassol will cost around €8 million in total.
The municipality also reported spending approximately €1.6 million over the past decade on related safety interventions.
Ongoing reporting and remaining risks
Although responsibility has now shifted to EOA Limassol, the municipality continues to record additional cases. It has identified a further 49 buildings requiring assessment, bringing the total to around 180 structures with varying levels of risk.
The mayor said authorities have also been informed of 415 buildings where violations have been recorded.
Calls for funding and legislative support
Giannis Armeftis said the municipality submitted proposals to the Ministry of Interior requesting financial support of around €3 million for the city centre.
He noted that the government has acknowledged the need for transitional funding to support the EOA as it takes over new responsibilities, while legislative amendments are also under discussion in parliament.
Coordination seen as essential
The municipality continues daily cleaning operations, removal of hazardous materials and cooperation with EOA Limassol to speed up procedures.
However, the mayor stressed that real interventions such as structural repairs and building reinforcement require substantial funding and technical resources.
He concluded that the issue of dangerous buildings in Limassol cannot be solved piecemeal, adding that public safety must be treated as an urgent priority.
Also read: Nicosia: 268 buildings deemed dangerous, 4 require evacuation
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
