Cyprus legislature considers stricter measures for dangerous buildings

The Cyprus Parliament is currently debating new legislation designed to address the growing issue of dangerous buildings across the country. The proposed bill grants local authorities, specifically the District Self-Government Organizations (EOA), significant powers to enforce safety standards, including the ability to terminate electricity and water supplies, impose liens on properties to recover costs, and seek expedited ex parte court orders for emergency repairs or demolitions. The Ministry of the Interior supports these measures, which aim to ensure property owners take responsibility for their buildings before structural failures lead to tragedies.

Despite the legislative progress, a dispute has emerged regarding funding. While the government has allocated an initial two million euros, local organizations argue this is insufficient. For instance, in Larnaca alone, 351 potentially dangerous buildings would require an estimated seven million euros for interventions. Authorities are requesting a steady annual funding stream for the next decade to facilitate these works. Critics, however, argue that providing state funding may discourage owners from performing necessary maintenance themselves, as the law is intended to serve as a deterrent rather than a state-funded subsidy for private property owners.