At a regular session of the Cypriot Parliament, MPs unanimously decided to extend the powers of local municipalities to ensure proper control of emergency buildings on the island by six months.
Thus, the regional organisations of self-government (EOA) received an extension until April 1, 2025.
Recall that according to an earlier decision, it was the EOAs (the new district-level organisations created as part of the local government reform that started earlier this year) that were supposed to take charge and lead the initiative. However, their representatives told the deputies that they had neither the funds, staff, nor the technical expertise to deal with emergency facilities.
As a result, the officials had no choice but to reserve control over the emergency buildings to the municipalities for another six months. At the same time, the deputies emphasised that this is the last postponement and there will be no more indulgences. By 1 April 2025, EOAs must be ready to take over responsibility.
It should be mentioned that the government is not authorised to provide financial assistance to EOAs and they must operate on a self-financing basis. By the way, according to the Law, the Government of Cyprus can transfer funds to municipalities, but not to EOA. It should be noted that now there are five regional self-governing organisations, one for each region - in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos and the free districts of Famagusta. Each organisation is responsible for urban planning, sewerage, water supply and waste management.