ETEK and Cyprus Land Development Association discuss construction sector challenges

The Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK) and the Cyprus Land Development Association (SLDC) held a meeting to address critical issues within the construction and real estate sector. Representing ETEK were President Konstantinos Konstanti, Treasurer Elena Christodoulou, and council member Alkis Dikaios, while SLDC was represented by President Yiannis Misirlis and his board. The discussions focused on systemic bureaucratic delays in project licensing, with ETEK proposing reforms to improve communication between designers and licensing authorities. Participants specifically addressed the need to modernize town planning regulations and enhance the 'Ippodamos' electronic system. The meeting also highlighted the difficulties regarding the management of common-owned, hazardous, and listed buildings. Affordable housing was identified as a primary concern, with officials noting that high interest rates and rising material costs threaten the timely delivery of residential projects. ETEK reaffirmed its support for legislative bills concerning regular building inspections and better management of shared ownership properties. The participants concluded that cooperation among all stakeholders is essential to ensure project safety, quality, and sustainability.