Nearly 1,300 Unsafe Buildings Identified in Cyprus

Authorities in Cyprus have identified 1,292 buildings as structurally unsafe, posing a potential risk to public safety. In response, lawmakers have drafted a legislative proposal aimed at reinforcing these buildings and preventing possible collapses.

According to the report, the number of hazardous buildings in each district is as follows:
Nicosia – 618
Limassol – 308
Larnaca – 170
Famagusta – 26
Paphos – 170

To address the issue, MP Marinos Mousiouttas has put forward a legislative amendment, which has received backing from the Minister of the Interior. He emphasized that current laws do not sufficiently protect citizens, damaged buildings, or neighboring properties.

In Nicosia, state funding for reinforcing unsafe structures will be increased to €500,000, with a similar budget allocated for other cities.

"To enhance public safety and improve the management of hazardous buildings, the Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs has proposed key amendments to existing legislation," the statement reads.

During discussions with municipal associations and local authorities, several gaps in the legal framework were identified that hinder effective enforcement.

As of April 1, responsibility for overseeing unsafe buildings has been transferred to the EAC. Now, lawmakers are proposing additional measures to strengthen monitoring and enforcement.

The proposed amendments include:

• Streamlining the notification process for property owners
• Allowing court orders to enforce necessary safety measures
• Banning the use or rental of unsafe buildings until they are repaired
• Ordering partial or full demolition of hazardous structures
• Cutting off water and electricity to unsafe properties