Larnaca, Cyprus. The Larnaca District local government organisation (EOA) is preparing to proceed with the evacuation of a large apartment complex near Larnaca port if owners fail to address serious structural safety concerns, EOA president Angelos Hadjicharalambous said on Wednesday. Authorities have granted owners an additional two to three days after an initial three-day deadline expired on Tuesday.
Extended deadline for owners
Hadjicharalambous said about 90 property owners had originally been given three days to respond, but the EOA decided to allow more time for them to appoint an engineer and begin taking steps to address the building’s structural safety risks.
“If the owners appoint an engineer and show they are moving towards resolving the problem, they will be given more time,” Hadjicharalambous told the Cyprus News Agency.
He said that if there is no compliance, the organisation will move forward with evacuation measures and, if necessary, seek a court order to enforce them.
Building classified as at risk of collapse
The apartment complex consists of five blocks, 79 flats and 10 shops. It has been classified as the largest building in Larnaca deemed at risk of collapse.
The building came to public attention following a police immigration operation on May 27, during which one foreign national died and two others were injured after jumping from balconies in an attempt to avoid arrest.
Conditions and violations found during inspections
According to Hadjicharalambous, notices were served on owners last Friday through door-to-door visits by EOA officials. During the inspections, officials found what he described as “appalling living conditions” and widespread illegalities.
He said some flats were housing up to 10 people and that hygiene conditions throughout the buildings were extremely poor.
Officials also found cases of illegal electricity connections, leading to calls for the involvement of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus and the electromechanical services.
Call for coordinated response
Hadjicharalambous said a coordinated response involving several government agencies is required. He said police should investigate illegal residents, the Larnaca municipality should address sanitation and nuisance issues, and the fire service should examine blocked emergency exits and fire safety concerns.
