Larnaca local authorities issue ultimatum for dangerous residential buildings

The Larnaca District Self-Government Organization (EOAL) has issued a deadline for the owners of the Filanda apartment complex to begin structural safety repairs. The complex, located near the port, consists of five blocks containing 79 apartments and 10 shops, with over 90 registered owners. It is currently categorized as the most problematic dangerous building in the city, housing hundreds of residents, including many foreigners and individuals in illegally occupied units. The intervention follows a May 27 incident where a foreigner died and two others were injured after jumping from balconies to evade a police operation. EOAL president Angelos Hatziharalambous stated that owners were initially given three working days to present a safety plan, though this deadline is being slightly extended to accommodate ongoing efforts by some owners to cooperate. If structural remediation plans involving a licensed engineer are not established, the authorities will demand the building's evacuation. Failure to comply will lead to a court-ordered eviction process. Additionally, the EOAL plans to issue warnings for 30 other dangerous residential buildings across the district in the near future.