Larnaca, Cyprus. A house in the Chrysopolitissa area of Larnaca has been fully demolished after part of its structure collapsed earlier in the week. Officials said nearby unsafe buildings are also being assessed and that owners are being notified to take action.
Demolition completed
President of the Larnaca local district government (EOA) Angelos Hadjicharalambous said demolition of the house began on Thursday. Three women lived in the property and managed to leave in time, he said, adding that the demolition was completed on Friday.
Next building to be addressed
Hadjicharalambous said the house next to the demolished building would be the next to be dealt with. He said a letter had been sent to a second apartment building in Chrysopolitissa, but residents would not be asked to evacuate. Owners will be given one week to take the necessary measures to remove safety hazards from the building.
Other unsafe properties
He said the EOA was moving forward “with all means at our disposal” to ensure the safety of buildings or demolish them if needed.
Asked about another dangerous building in the Faneromeni area of Larnaca, he said 40 residents had been informed to evacuate on May 20 because of security concerns and had since found shelter elsewhere. He said the EOA, together with the owners, would proceed with sealing and fencing the building to protect passersby.
Hadjicharalambous said the EOA would also take legal measures so that if the owners did not seal the building, the authority could do so.
Further notices planned
He said letters would be sent next week to four other apartment owners, including the building from whose balcony three migrants jumped on Wednesday, an incident that resulted in the death of a 45-year-old Congolese man.
“The owners of all buildings have the responsibility and must proceed to take measures to remove the risk of their properties and the necessary works for the repair of buildings so that there is no risk for their tenants,” he said.
