Inspections of dangerous buildings in Nicosia are continuing, with specialist teams from EOA Nicosia working alongside Nicosia Municipality to reassess risk levels and identify additional cases.
According to Christodoulou, head of the organisation’s dangerous buildings unit, the total number will only be confirmed once the current round of inspections is completed next week, as figures remain in flux.
Parish-by-parish inspections underway
So far, inspections have been completed in Omeriye, Agios Kassianos and Agios Ioannis, with checks carried out on a parish-by-parish basis within the walled city.
The next areas to be examined include Faneromeni, Agios Savvas, Ttabakhane, Agios Antonios, Agios Andreas and Taht-el-Kale.
Christodoulou said there are currently 161 dangerous buildings within the walled city, though this number is subject to change as assessments continue.
Changing numbers as repairs and deterioration emerge
The overall number of dangerous buildings is being revised as new cases are identified and others are removed from the list following repairs or stabilisation works.
Some properties have had their risk status lifted after structural issues were addressed, while others have deteriorated over time due to weather exposure and ageing, requiring renewed assessment and contact with owners.
A comprehensive picture is expected once all inspections are completed.
Demolition remains last resort
Christodoulou stressed that demolition is considered a last resort.
Where a building is deemed dangerous following a visual inspection, an assessment is prepared by a civil engineer. The General Directorate of Development then decides whether to officially declare the property dangerous.
Owners are given three days to respond after receiving an initial notice, during which they must take steps to address the risk, including appointing a civil engineer and proceeding with necessary works.
If there is no response or if the owner declares financial inability, EOA intervenes and may impose fines.
Over 1,600 cases under review
According to the latest data, there are 1,624 cases in total under EOA Nicosia’s remit.
Of these, 638 are in Nicosia Municipality, 117 in Strovolos, 20 in Aglantzia, three in Lakatamia and Tseri, 688 in rural areas and communities, and 158 are newly recorded cases.
In terms of classification, 268 cases, or 16.6 per cent, have been declared dangerous, while 95 cases, or 5.9 per cent, are considered dangerous with administrative procedures ongoing.
A further 138 cases, or 8.6 per cent, are under assessment by external consultants, 140 cases, or 8.7 per cent, are being evaluated by EOA Nicosia, and 875 cases, or 54 per cent, are pending confirmation.
Overall, EOA Nicosia said it is managing 1,466 dangerous buildings.
Source: CNA