Larnaca prepares new evacuations from dangerous residential buildings

The authorities in Larnaca are preparing a new wave of evacuations of residents from apartment buildings deemed potentially dangerous. Starting next week, notices to vacate the buildings will be received by residents of five houses in different parts of the city.

According to local authorities, one of the buildings is located in the Chrysopolitissa area, three are in the settlement of Agion Anargiron II, and another is in the parish of Saint John. Four of these buildings are included in the state-run “Ktizo” program, and the Ministry of the Interior will handle the accommodation of residents.

The house in Chrysopolitissa has 17 apartments. Temporary accommodation in hotels is предусмотрено for its residents. Meanwhile, today is the deadline for the evacuation of the “Madona Court” apartment building in the Faneromeni area.

The head of the local organization, Angelos Hadjicharalambous, said that about 40 people live in “Madona Court.” Municipal social services are working with the residents of Larnaca. Those without alternative housing will be provided with hotel accommodation under the Civil Defence plan and the municipal “Xenios” program.

According to Hadjicharalambous, some apartment owners have expressed willingness to carry out repairs to the building and eliminate the risk to its use.

Following the tragic collapse of a building in Germasogeia, the authorities in Larnaca began a large-scale inspection of all potentially dangerous structures. Initially, municipalities and the district administration submitted data on 563 properties, but after additional inspections the number of suspicious buildings rose to 889.

As of today, 427 potentially dangerous structures have been identified in the municipality of Larnaca, 23 in Aradippou, 80 in Lefkara, 34 in Dromolaxia-Meneou, 12 in Athienou, and 313 in other areas.

Based on visual inspections, specialists have already recognized 23 residential and 40 non-residential buildings as posing a real risk of collapse. The authorities remind that responsibility for the condition of real estate lies with the owners, who, if they fail to act, face legal proceedings and administrative fines.