Nicosia, Cyprus. Former civil defence director Maria Papa on Monday challenged the handling of Cyprus’ shelter programme, saying her repeated warnings to the interior ministry were ignored. She issued the statement on X after her transfer to the audit office.
Papa cites weaknesses and calls for reform
In her statement, Papa said she encountered “substantial weaknesses” upon taking office in April 2021, attributing them primarily to understaffing and the absence of a structured, specialised framework. She said the programme had gradually weakened over previous years, reducing its operational effectiveness and creating the need for urgent reform and strategic direction.
Papa said she “categorically reject[s] any claim that these issues were not raised or raised at the relevant levels,” describing her interventions as continuous and recorded over time. She added that “these suggestions, despite their importance, were not promoted.”
She said she made repeated and documented interventions to the political leadership, outlining systemic deficiencies and calling for the immediate strengthening and reorganisation of the shelter sector, alongside a broader policy reset. Among her proposals was establishing a specialised unit staffed with scientific personnel to ensure systematic inspection, supervision and development of the shelter network.
“These interventions were not fragmentary,” she said, adding that her responsibility to the public required transparency and timely information to the political leadership.
Transfer and inspection findings
The dispute followed her departure from civil defence, with official sources saying her move to the audit office was driven by administrative considerations rather than the shelter controversy.
Recent reports had suggested Papa previously provided assurances that inspections were ongoing and maintenance was being carried out.
Pressure intensified after Ioannou disclosed results of recent inspections, which found that 194 out of 2,480 listed shelters were either unsuitable or no longer existed, while another 288 were inaccessible to the public and reserved for private use.
What changes, if any, should be prioritised to ensure Cyprus’ listed shelters are available and fit for purpose?