**Dangerous Buildings Bill an ‘Immediate Priority’ Says Minister**
Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou addressed the House interior committee on Thursday, emphasizing the urgent need to discuss three key legislative proposals concerning dangerous buildings, jointly owned properties, and the restructuring of civil protection services. This meeting marked an important opportunity for the newly formed committee, which emerged following the parliamentary elections held on May 24.
Ioannou underscored the necessity of enhancing the legal framework surrounding the identification and management of dangerous buildings. He pointed out that the current system requires improvements to facilitate the removal of certain structures from the list of dangerous constructions. The minister highlighted that a bill regarding dangerous buildings had already been presented to the previous parliament, indicating ongoing efforts to address this pressing issue.
In his remarks, Ioannou proposed that local district organizations, known as EOAs, collaborate with the scientific and technical chamber, Etek, to create a comprehensive archive of dangerous buildings. This initiative aims to categorize these structures based on their level of hazard, with the understanding that not all buildings deemed dangerous require demolition; many can be rehabilitated.
The discussion also touched on the bill pertaining to jointly owned buildings, which was initially tabled in 2023 and has seen revisions for resubmission in 2025. Ioannou acknowledged that there had been objections from EOAs regarding the financial implications of the legislation, which is estimated to cost around €1.5 million and create approximately 30 new jobs. The proposed bill seeks to address various challenges faced by owners of jointly owned properties, including disputes over common expenses and maintenance issues that could lead to dereliction.
Key features of the bill include the establishment of clear rights and obligations for both owners and tenants, the creation of a maintenance fund, an enhanced role for administrative committees, and the mandatory insurance of the buildings and their annexes. These measures aim to foster better management and cooperation among property owners, ultimately improving living conditions in shared residential spaces.
Additionally, Ioannou discussed the civil protection bill, which aims to establish a general directorate within the interior ministry. This new structure is intended to unify various firefighting services, thereby improving coordination and the efficient use of both human and material resources in emergency situations.
The minister also addressed the compensation process for individuals who lost property during the devastating wildfires in Limassol in 2025. He reported that most affected individuals have received compensation, but noted that over a hundred claimants who disputed the calculated amounts would be compensated in the coming days.
The discussion of these three bills reflects the government's commitment to addressing critical issues that impact the safety and well-being of citizens. Ioannou's call for immediate action indicates a proactive approach to legislative reform in response to the needs of the community. The collaboration between the ministry and the House is seen as essential for developing effective solutions that will enhance civil protection and improve the management of shared properties across Cyprus.