Limassol, Cyprus. Nearly a month after the Limassol district local government organisation (EOA) applied for a court order to evacuate the unsafe Seagate apartment complex in the Yermasoyia tourist area, no decision has been issued. The authority said the delay highlights shortcomings in the current legal framework for dealing with dangerous buildings.
Court process ongoing
The Seagate building partially collapsed on April 11, leaving two people dead.
Speaking to CNA, Limassol EOA president Yiannis Tsouloftas said the delay showed that existing legal mechanisms are time-consuming and ineffective, and do not allow authorities to respond quickly to dangerous structures.
The organisation filed its application for an evacuation order on May 20. During a hearing before the Limassol district court on Thursday, directions were issued regarding the next steps in the proceedings.
Owners file appeal
Tsouloftas said that as the legal process continues, the owners of the building have filed an appeal against the EOA’s request, which is being examined by the interior ministry.
If the court grants the order, the owners will be required to vacate the complex, which houses around 60 families. Tsouloftas said that failure to comply would leave them liable before the courts, while police would be responsible for enforcing the order.
Call for legislative changes
Tsouloftas called for legislative amendments to give district organisations the authority to deal with unsafe buildings quickly and effectively.
He also raised concerns about the financial burden on EOAs, which are funded through water supply, sewerage and licensing services.
“These organisations have been given a responsibility that generates no income,” he said, questioning how repairs or interventions should be financed when owners fail to maintain their properties.