MPs seek independent assessment of dangerous former Othello cinema in Engomi

Engomi, Cyprus. MPs on the House audit committee called on Thursday for an independent expert to determine the fate of the former Othello cinema in Engomi, Nicosia, after hearing that ground-floor shops continue to operate despite the building being declared dangerous.

Committee calls for action

The committee asked the Nicosia local government organisation (EOA) to assess the building’s condition so that appropriate measures can be taken. It will return the matter to its agenda.

Committee vice chairman and Diko MP Chrysanthos Savvides said it was “strange” that a building classified as dangerous remained in use.

“We demand that the problem be solved immediately,” he said.

Alma MP Irene Charalambides, who proposed the inquiry with party leader Odysseas Michaelides, described the site as a “health and safety bomb”. She criticised the EOA for handling the case for a year and a half without reaching a solution.

Akel MP Christos Christofides said there could not be a dangerous building in the centre of Nicosia and called for fines or mediation between the owners.

EOA says declaration followed visual inspection

Agathoklis Agathokleous, a civil engineer responsible for dangerous buildings at the EOA, said the declaration followed a visual inspection.

“It is plainly dangerous for those who are either inside or outside the premises,” he said.

He rejected claims of delay and said the EOA currently handles about 1,400 dangerous buildings, 800 of which have more than 20 owners.

Mayor cites longstanding problems

Nicosia mayor Charalambos Prountzos said the problem had existed for two decades. Municipal staff inspected the site on August 19, 2024, and found appalling conditions, he said.

Prountzos said health officials cannot enter a building declared dangerous to clean it.