Lefkara, Cyprus. The mayor of Lefkara said he may take matters into his own hands over dilapidated and empty Turkish Cypriot properties in the community, accusing the government of indifference and inaction.
Claims of government inaction
In parliament on Tuesday, Mayor Sofocles Sofocleous said he has been raising the issue with successive interior ministers since 2017, but none has responded. He described the lack of response as “insulting”.
Role of the interior minister
Sofocleous said the minister of the interior acts as the ‘guardian’ and administrator of Turkish Cypriot properties in the south.
Properties in Lefkara
According to Sofocleous, there are 105 Turkish Cypriot properties in Lefkara, abandoned since 1963. He said the state must take responsibility to protect them and warned they are deteriorating.
Allegations of misuse and mismanagement
Sofocleous said some abandoned homes may be used for drug trafficking. He also referred to chronic mismanagement of Turkish Cypriot properties “with the state’s tolerance”, adding that there is knowledge of who possesses the properties and the steps taken to legitimise their handover.
Claims of under-the-table payments
He cited cases in which individuals who are not Greek Cypriot refugees, and therefore not eligible to use or live in Turkish Cypriot properties, allegedly paid between €15,000 and €20,000.
What steps do you think the government should take to address the condition and administration of these properties?