MPs criticise slow progress of Ktizo refugee housing scheme

Nicosia, Cyprus. The Ktizo scheme, which offers refugees the option to move into better and safer housing, is progressing too slowly, MPs said on Tuesday. The House refugees committee expressed dissatisfaction that only one new apartment building has been completed.

Progress falls short of plans

Committee chair Nikos Kettiros (Akel) said another building is expected to be delivered in November. The scheme provides for 19 new buildings to replace 43 buildings slated for demolition.

The government launched Ktizo in April 2023 as a €130 million long-term project to provide “respectable living conditions” on refugee estates, offering incentives for tenants to relocate to new housing.

Structural problems on refugee estates

There were 358 refugee apartment buildings across the government-controlled areas. Living conditions in some were described as dangerous, with residents fearing their apartments were on the brink of collapse.

Of those buildings, 245 were deemed to be in satisfactory condition and 70 had problems requiring upkeep. The remaining 43 had severe structural issues, and renovating them was deemed unsustainable and financially unviable.

Grants and contributions

Tenants of the 43 unsafe buildings who choose not to relocate to new housing would receive a one-off grant.

Beneficiaries choosing to move into new government-subsidised housing would contribute €10,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, €20,000 for a two-bedroom apartment or €25,000 for a three-bedroom apartment.

The contribution amounts to approximately 10 per cent of the value of the new apartment.