Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides said the government is not satisfied with the state of bomb shelters and will take decisions at the next cabinet meeting to improve the situation. He said there had been improvements but also shortcomings.
President outlines concerns
Christodoulides said that while there are positive aspects regarding shelters, there are also negative ones. He said Cyprus is not at the level it should be and added that he would not “sugarcoat” the situation, citing the 1974 invasion and the ongoing occupation.
Plans for further decisions
The president said the percentage of shelters has increased, but that the government remains dissatisfied and will make further decisions at the next cabinet meeting to strengthen shelters.
Interior ministry proposal
Last week, the interior ministry said it is preparing to submit a proposal to the cabinet aimed at significantly increasing the number of civil defence shelters across Cyprus, with the plan expected to be presented at the next meeting.
Requirements for new buildings and incentives
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. Authorities are considering granting an additional building coefficient of five per cent, up to a maximum of 50 square metres, as an incentive.
Inspections and prior review
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.
What changes do you think should be prioritised to improve civil defence shelters across Cyprus?
