Over 1,400 dangerous buildings in Nicosia, 161 in old town

Over 1,400 buildings in Nicosia, of which 161 in the old town, are currently deemed dangerous and more are being added to the list as part of ongoing inspections by the Nicosia district self-government organisation (EOA) and the city’s municipality.

Nicosia’s EOA officer responsible for dangerous buildings said the number would be finalised next week.

EOA officer Christodoulou said “new buildings have been found in need of repair […] and others were taken off the list as they have been restored”.

Inspections are being carried out by neighbourhood. So far, Omeriye, Ayios Kassianos and Ayios Ioannis have been completed. Next to be checked are Faneromeni, Ayios Savvas, Tabakhane, Ayios Antonios, Ayios Andreas and Tahtakale.

Christodoulou said the buildings are first looked at and if found to be dangerous Etek prepares a report. The general directorate for development may then declare the building dangerous and the owner is given three days to appoint a civil engineer to decide what work needs to be done. If the owner does not respond or cannot afford the repairs, then the EOA intervenes. In the case of non-response, the owner is fined.

“Demolition is a last resort measure,” Christodoulou added.

So far, there are 1,624 open cases in Nicosia, of which 638 are in the Nicosia municipality, 117 in Strovolos, 20 in Aglandja, three in Lakatamia-Tseri and 688 in rural areas. The remaining 158 are new cases.

Christodoulou said 268 buildings or 16.6 per cent have been declared dangerous. For 95 dangerous buildings or 5.9 per cent, administrative procedures are in motion.

Furthermore, 138 cases or 8.6 per cent are being evaluated by external experts, 140 or 8.7 per cent are being evaluated by the Nicosia EOA and 875 or 54 per cent are in line for confirmation.

“In total, the Nicosia EOA is managing 1,466 dangerous buildings,” he added.