Nicosia, Cyprus. The interior ministry is preparing to submit a proposal to the cabinet to significantly increase the number of civil defence shelters across Cyprus, with the plan expected to be presented at the next meeting.
Capacity expansion target
The proposal, which has reportedly been under development for several months, seeks in its initial phase to expand shelter capacity so that facilities can accommodate up to 45 per cent of the island’s population.
Requirements for new residential developments
Sources familiar with the matter said the plan also introduces new requirements for future residential developments to contribute to the shelter network. Under the proposal, new apartment buildings would be required to allocate basement space, where available, for use as civil defence shelters equipped with toilets and drinking water.
The measure would no longer rely on voluntary participation by developers.
Incentives under consideration
As an incentive, authorities are considering granting an additional building coefficient of five per cent, up to a maximum of 50 square metres.
Inspections and minister’s response
Government sources said the initiative follows concerns raised after inspections carried out earlier this year revealed shortcomings in the current shelter system. A previous review, conducted in May, was later understood to have been only a sample inspection.
Sources informed that Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou expressed dissatisfaction with the scope of those checks and has since been examining ways to strengthen preparedness.
Over the past two days around 90 people have been involved in assessing the condition of shelters across the island.
How could the proposed requirements for new apartment buildings affect future housing developments in your area?