The Larnaca District Local Government Organization (EOA) has issued an evacuation order for residents of the Dipa complex on Grigoris Afxentiou Avenue. The building is considered one of the oldest and best-known in the city.
The decision was prompted by serious damage to walls and load-bearing columns, as well as concerns about a possible structural collapse. The complex was declared dangerous about two years ago, after which residents and responsible parties began receiving warnings. Signs prohibiting entry were also placed at the building’s entrance. Authorities gave residents three days to vacate the premises. However, according to available information, the EOA is prepared to grant a short extension.
Residents do not want to leave their apartments
For Dipa residents, the evacuation order has created a serious problem because they must find alternative housing within just a few days. Some tenants and residents disagree with the eviction and have hired a lawyer to defend their interests. At the same time, authorities are allowing for the possibility that the problem could be addressed through repairs to the building. The head of the Larnaca EOA told reporters that the organization is prepared to review the situation if a structural engineer is appointed within the next few days to assess and oversee restoration work. According to him, this could satisfy the requirements of the local authorities.
The building’s management committee is reportedly looking for a civil engineer who could supervise the repair work. However, the possibility of carrying out repairs does not automatically cancel the evacuation order. The building’s safety and the conditions for continued occupancy would still need to be confirmed by qualified professionals.
Dipa is not the first evacuation case in Larnaca
In recent months, city authorities have taken similar measures involving other buildings. In May 2026, residents of the Madona complex were evacuated because of safety concerns. An eviction order had also previously been issued for Filanda Court. Its enforcement was later suspended after the management committee promised to carry out repairs. The situation at Dipa comes amid a large-scale inspection of buildings across the Larnaca district.
At the end of September 2026, the Larnaca EOA reported that 335 buildings in the district had been classified as dangerous. Of these, 189 were placed in the highest-risk category. The organization has been responsible for handling dangerous-building cases since April 1, 2025. When these powers were transferred to the EOA, it inherited information on 563 cases involving buildings believed to pose a potential safety risk.