Authorities in Limassol are using every available means to avert another tragedy, with the District Local Government Organisation (EOA) moving swiftly to notify all those involved – owners and tenants alike – about the condition of buildings deemed dangerous. On Friday, an evacuation order that had long been pending was executed for a building on Hipparchou Street in central Limassol, with police assisting the EOA.
A similar course of action is being pursued for the derelict building on Vasileos Georgiou Street, while the SEA GATE apartment complex has been identified as the top immediate priority for a solution. The EOA has already sent registered letters to owners, giving them a three-day deadline to vacate the building. If they fail to comply, the authority is expected on Monday to seek a court order for compulsory eviction, in a bid to prevent another collapse. The same procedure is likely to be followed for other buildings classified as extremely dangerous.
During a visit by journalists on Friday to the affected apartment block in Germasogeia, it emerged that residents were unaware of the severity of the situation. Some tenants were seen gathering a few personal belongings in case they needed to leave, while others departed immediately.
Police aim to conclude probe next week
Police investigations into the causes of the apartment block collapse on Aeschylou Street are also advancing at a fast pace. According to information obtained by Politis, investigators at the Limassol Criminal Investigation Department are working towards completing their inquiries within the coming week, after which the full case file will be forwarded to the Legal Service for evaluation, guidance and final decisions.
All possibilities remain open, and criminal charges have not been ruled out if negligence is established, though not necessarily in a single direction. Dozens of people have so far given statements, including apartment owners, tenants and staff from the Amathounta Municipality and the Limassol EOA.
Preliminary findings suggest that owners are arguing, as a line of defence, that they were never informed about the building’s dangerous condition and did not receive the relevant warning letters. Investigators are seeking to verify this claim, as a number of notices were sent by registered mail, meaning proof of receipt should exist. At least one owner, however, appears to have been aware of the risks and to have urged others to coordinate, without result.
The investigation is also examining renovation works carried out in several apartments. A key piece of evidence is a technical report prepared by an EOA engineer on 10 March following an on-site inspection, which includes extensive photographic material.
EOA seeks private engineers for inspections
Acting on decisions taken in meetings with the competent ministry and the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK), the Limassol EOA has announced the creation of a register of civil engineers who will carry out visual inspections of existing buildings across the district, under the relevant legislation on building safety and suitability.
According to the announcement, selected engineers will conduct on-site visits and record the condition of buildings through visual inspection, aiming to identify potential damage, cracks or other signs of structural problems. They will be required to complete standard inspection forms in line with ETEK guidelines and specifications.
Eligibility criteria include registration with ETEK, a valid practising licence, and proven professional experience of at least five years in studies and on-site inspections of existing buildings. Applicants must also demonstrate adequate knowledge of inspection procedures and applicable standards.
Both individual engineers and consultancy firms may apply, with selections to be made on a first-come, first-served basis.