New batch of resettlement houses will be built in Cyprus in the first half of 2025.

As part of the government's 'KtiZo' programme, the construction of five new apartment blocks in Cyprus will begin in the first half of 2025.

This was announced recently by the Ministry of Interior (MIA).

The ministry said that despite all the problems the project is facing, its implementation is underway. The ministry also stressed that the state programme is an integral part of the government's refugee accommodation policy and has been a priority since the first day of Nikos Christodoulides' presidency.

Our main objective is to solve once and for all the housing problem of the displaced people, so that they can live with dignity and in a safe environment. Despite delays caused by unforeseen obstacles, the plan is on its way to being implemented,' the ministry said.

The ministry also said that MHA officials are holding ongoing meetings with relevant agencies to address emerging challenges, including legal and technical issues.

KtiZo is a large and complex task, which we are determined to implement in order to support the refugees until the reunification of our country and the restoration of our property in the occupied villages,' the ministry said.

Recall that the government programme covers a total of 358 buildings with 3,128 apartments in Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca.

Of these, 43 have been identified as having critical problems with their stability and structure. These buildings, the most dangerous, will be prioritised. They will be gradually demolished and replaced by new, modern buildings.

A further 70 buildings have stability problems in a number of structural elements, and 245 buildings have less critical deficiencies. These two groups of buildings will be renovated rather than demolished. The renovation programme will last 10 years. Incidentally, almost all the tenants of the 43 most dangerous blocks have already been evacuated with the payment of a subsidy.

People were offered two options:

1. Temporary relocation and then a new apartment in a house built in place of the demolished one.
2. Receive a lump sum compensation for the property and a share of the land.

The KtiZo programme divides beneficiaries into three categories:

1. Category 1 - the first generations of refugees and their heirs (up to the fourth generation) if they have a title deed.
2. Category 2 - those who have purchased property with public funds.
3. Category 3 - residents who bought their homes from refugees.