The implementation of the "Ktizo" program in Cyprus is proceeding apace

In July, within the framework of the state program "Ktizo" in Cyprus will begin the reconstruction of the first apartment buildings.

This was announced by Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou on Tuesday, April 16.

Speaking at a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Refugees, which was briefed on the progress of the plan, Ioannou referred to the actions taken last year. He also mentioned that in order to promote the scheme and attract more contractors, it has been decided to increase the construction ratio on the sites that are part of the project. In particular, contractors who undertook the construction of 3-storey residential buildings for the resettled residents were allowed to erect two additional floors for their own use. Ioannou emphasized that the main philosophy is that the state sponsors such facilities by 50%, and also gives land, which they must find the right use for.

The minister disclosed that so far 77.6% of the beneficiaries (287) have expressed interest to participate in the project while 6.5% of the beneficiaries (24) have declined to participate. Meanwhile, 165 beneficiaries are subsidized rent and personal storage space is provided for 25 apartments. Regarding the demolition process of the twenty apartment buildings that were recognized as emergency, five of them, located in Nicosia, have been demolished. The rest of the buildings will be demolished in the coming months.

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

Of these, 43 have been classified as having critical problems with stability and building structure. It is these, the most dangerous, buildings that are being prioritized. They will be demolished and replaced by new buildings in three and a half years.

Another 70 houses have stability problems in a number of structural elements, and 245 buildings have less critical deficiencies. These two groups of buildings will be renovated, they will not be demolished. The renovation program is designed for 10 years. By the way, the tenants of the 43 most dangerous residential complexes have already begun to evacuate with the payment of a subsidy.

People were offered a choice of two options:

1. temporarily relocate to another place, and then get an apartment in a new house built in place of their demolished complex;
2. receive a lump-sum compensation from the state for their real estate and for their share of the land plot.

The Ktizo program divides beneficiaries into three categories:

1. Category 1 includes first-generation refugees, as well as second, third and fourth generation refugees who inherited emergency properties if they have a housing title.
2. Category 2 includes those refugees who bought properties in housing complexes with money allocated to them by the state.
3. Category 3 includes residents who bought an apartment from refugees.

Residents of emergency housing who decided not to receive an apartment in a house built in place of the demolished one can claim compensation, the amount of which will depend on the cadastral value of the property and land. If the emergency house is to be repaired rather than demolished, the state covers these costs.