Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ interior ministry told the House refugee committee on Tuesday that it intends to construct new apartment buildings for refugees as part of wider government efforts to address housing needs. The ministry said it is also reviewing available state land and continuing upgrades to existing housing complexes.
Housing plans and land review
As reported by Stockwatch, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou told the committee that the government is examining available state land with the aim of expanding housing stock for refugees alongside ongoing upgrading works to existing complexes.
Property management and support schemes
Ioannou said reforms have already been introduced in the management of Turkish Cypriot properties allocated to Greek Cypriot refugees, with the changes aimed at improving transparency and oversight.
He also referred to revisions in housing support schemes, saying the number of beneficiaries has increased in recent years.
According to Ioannou, the support plan for rural communities also covers refugee households, providing a 20 per cent subsidy. He added that a review of rental allowance criteria is under consideration to address what he described as distortions in the current system.
Concerns raised by lawmakers
MPs from across political parties raised concerns over persistent housing shortages and delays in the delivery of housing projects.
Committee chair and Akel MP Nikos Kettiros said the prospect of new housing construction was a significant development and described it as “a substantial step that emerged during the session,” while stressing that further acceleration was needed.
Disy MP George Karoullas called for faster procedures in housing construction and closer cooperation with development agencies and the private sector to expand housing availability.
His party colleague Giorgos Lyssarides raised concerns about the utilisation of vacant properties and proposed adjustments to allocation criteria for Turkish Cypriot homes.
Ktizo programme
The ministry said implementation of the Ktizo housing programme depends on both beneficiary participation and contractor performance.
