A large-scale inspection of unsafe and potentially dangerous buildings is continuing in Paphos. The Paphos District Local Government Organisation (EOA) has accelerated inspections with the involvement of eight civil engineers who are members of the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK).
Inspections of Unsafe Buildings Accelerate
According to Paphos EOA President Charalambos Pittokopitis, inspections of old and dangerous buildings are progressing significantly faster thanks to the additional specialists. One positive development is that many property owners have begun repairing and renovating their apartment buildings on their own after receiving the relevant notices.
However, not all owners are willing to cooperate with the authorities. In cases involving properties that pose a threat to residents, the Paphos EOA intends to apply to the courts for orders requiring the buildings to be vacated. Property owners will then be required to address the violations or carry out the necessary construction works. In recent years, the problem of deteriorating buildings has become particularly pressing in Cyprus’ historic districts, where many properties have not been renovated for decades. The authorities stress that residents’ safety remains the top priority.
How Residents Are Evacuated from Unsafe Buildings
If an inspection confirms that a building poses a threat to people’s life and health, the district organisation initiates the official evacuation procedure. It includes several mandatory steps:
- publishing a notice prohibiting the use of the building in the daily press;
- posting a copy of the decision directly on the building’s facade;
- notifying Paphos police, who provide assistance with the evacuation of residents if necessary;
- notifying the Social Welfare Services, which are responsible for assisting people with temporary accommodation.
Warning signs indicating a potential danger are usually installed in advance. For example, in one recent case, they remained on a building for around 10 days before the decision prohibiting its use officially came into effect.