Larnaca residents call for police intervention over problems at flats complex

Larnaca, Cyprus. Residents of a block of flats said on Monday they were at their wit’s end over conditions at the complex and called for immediate intervention by police and the immigration department. Police and the Larnaca district self-government organisation (EOA) confirmed last week that the complex faced serious, longstanding problems.

Authorities confirm longstanding problems

The problems included complaints about tampered water and electricity meters, illegal occupation or rental of apartments, hygiene issues and dangerous buildings.

Marios Fotiou, chairman of the building’s administrative committee, said residents were living in fear and alleged that drug trafficking was among the problems they faced.

Residents allege threats and damage

One tenant told Sigma TV that people had taken over the block without paying rent or other costs and alleged that drug trafficking was taking place. He described the situation as “African terrorism” and the complex as a “drug ghetto”.

The tenant said police had attended only once. “We are in danger and this must end,” he said.

Another resident alleged that people were stealing water and electricity, failing to pay rent, obstructing the committee’s work, making threats and damaging the block.

He said residents were frightened but would not abandon their homes. “We are frightened, but we will not leave. We will stay with the committee to fix everything. I have been here since I was 12 or 13 years old,” he said.

A third tenant described the complex as an “African ghetto”, but said Africans were not the only people causing problems.