Organisations (DLGOs) are facing a growing backlog of applications.
Despite significant efforts to streamline procedures and increase staffing levels, the number of building permits examined and issued remains well below the levels prior to the adoption of the law establishing the DLGOs.
In particular, a significant backlog of work has accumulated since the DLGOs took over the permitting process in July. While the technical problems associated with Hippodamus have largely been resolved, the overall performance of the new system has not met expectations.
This prompted the Home Office to step up its monitoring. Senior officials visited DLGO offices to identify and address problem areas. However, it turned out that it could take up to three months for the new system to reach its full potential.
Recently, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said he had scheduled a meeting with DLGO chairmen to discuss concerns about the recent delegation decree. The issue is expected to be discussed in the House Interior Committee in September.
In the meantime, 3,580 applications have been submitted to the DLGOs. Of these:
- 1,284 - in Nicosia (780 considered)
- 1,055 - in Limassol (153 considered),
- 613 in Larnaca (83 considered),
- 440 in Paphos (66 verified),
- 188 in the free neighbourhoods of Famagusta (27 checked).