Nicosia, Cyprus. The Audit Office has identified liabilities with local authorities and gaps in legislation regarding a building in central Nicosia that has remained in the construction phase for 14 years. The Audit Office said the owners have not faced financial or other consequences, while the abandoned site poses aesthetic, health and safety concerns.
Audit Office findings and call for action
In a report made public on Thursday, auditor-general Andreas Papaconstantinou said the law must be applied and that authorities should act more decisively. He said local authorities and the state carry increased responsibility for inspection, aesthetics and safety, particularly for buildings in key areas and the city centre.
Safety concerns at the site
The building is located on Spyros Kyprianou avenue in the centre of Nicosia. The report described the site as a “dangerous building site” and said that despite being fenced off, access is still possible. Papaconstantinou noted that a dead body had previously been found at the worksite.
Permits and lack of progress
Papaconstantinou said the site’s history included a long period of permits, renewals and derogations from approved blueprints “without any substantive progress towards completing it.” The first building permit was issued by the Nicosia municipality on August 23, 2011.
Planned building details
The planned eight-storey building included a shop on the ground floor, two flats on the first and second floors, and offices from the third to the seventh floor, as well as an underground carpark.
Wider issue across Cyprus
Papaconstantinou said the building was not the only case of its kind and that more such sites exist across Cyprus.
What steps do you think local authorities should take to prevent long-term abandonment of building sites in city centres?