Parliamentary criticism over delays in KtiZO housing project

During a session of the Parliamentary Committee for Refugees held on Tuesday, October 7, 2026, concerns were raised regarding the slow progress of the government's KtiZO housing scheme. Three years after the project's inception, which aims to demolish 43 older, unsafe apartment buildings and replace them with 19 new structures, only one building has been completed. A second building is expected to be delivered in November 2026.

Nikos Kettiros, an AKEL MP and the Committee's Chairman, expressed deep dissatisfaction, noting that the current rate of construction makes it impossible to complete the project in a timely manner. The Committee has called upon the Department of Town Planning and the Ministry of Interior to expedite the procedures. Financial obstacles remain significant, as the Central Agency for Equal Distribution of Burdens must still determine how to assist beneficiaries unable to pay their required personal contributions.

Reports indicate that the state has already spent approximately €5 million on rental allowances to support displaced persons during the waiting period. Meanwhile, the funding gap for poorer beneficiaries, estimated at €7 million, remains unresolved. Critics warn that at the current pace, the project may not be completed within the lifetime of many eligible elderly residents, effectively prioritizing temporary rental aid over a permanent housing solution.