Nicosia, Cyprus. The House refugees committee on Tuesday discussed a proposal to create a national fund to compensate owners for the loss of use of properties in the north. MPs also examined progress and continuing problems with the government’s Ktizo refugee housing scheme.
Compensation fund bill and draft regulations
The discussion focused on a bill submitted last September by Disy, alongside amendments tabled by Akel, with the finance ministry assuring MPs that draft regulations are being prepared and will be brought before the House once completed.
“If the regulations are ready, they will be submitted to you,” a ministerial official said. The official added that the government’s approach was to focus compensation on the value of land and to exclude applicants who had already sought redress through the properties committee.
Ktizo scheme guide and implementation issues
The meeting also reviewed the Ktizo project, a government scheme providing grants for the renovation or replacement of ageing apartment blocks in refugee housing estates.
Officials briefed the committee on a revised guide to the scheme, intended to address ambiguities that had slowed implementation. Town planning department senior officer Irene Yiannakou said the new guide had been completed following an intensive effort.
“We had committed that within 15 days we would complete the revised plan,” she said.
“The guide has been completed, in its entirety we are talking about a 500-page text. It was a difficult and labour-intensive process. All the definitions have been included in the new guide.”
“We examine each apartment building individually and resolve, on a case-by-case basis, all its issues,” Yiannakou said.
Ownership complications continue to pose obstacles, especially where heirs or potential heirs are involved.
What changes do you think would help address ownership complications affecting the Ktizo scheme?
