Eviction of residents from unsafe buildings begins in Larnaca: authorities warn of potential crisis

The process of urgent eviction of residents from two apartment buildings deemed dangerous for habitation is kicking off in Larnaca. The first notices will be received today by the residents of a building in the Faneromeni area, which houses 24 apartments. On Friday, similar orders will be handed to residents of a 17-apartment building in Chrysaopolitissa.

According to the local authorities' decision, all residents will be given only three days to vacate their apartments. Following this, the buildings are scheduled for demolition due to the risk of collapse.

The decision was made following a meeting between the Larnaca Municipality and representatives of the District Local Government Organization (EOA), who had previously conducted extensive inspections of the condition of old buildings. During the discussion, it emerged that at least 14 more apartment buildings have been preliminarily identified as potentially dangerous and require urgent additional inspections.

The Chairman of the Larnaca EOA, Angelos Hadjicharalambous, warned that mass evictions could lead to a serious humanitarian crisis. According to him, a large number of people risk being left homeless, while the city is already experiencing a shortage of available real estate for relocation.

Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras urged the state to intervene in the situation and provide assistance to the affected families. The municipality intends to appeal to the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Social Welfare requesting support for the residents who will need alternative housing.

“Municipalities will not be able to cover the accommodation costs for all affected individuals on their own. Without state support, this will become an unsustainable burden,” Vyras stated.

According to city officials, the issue of unsafe buildings does not only concern Larnaca but requires a comprehensive solution at the national level.