**Title: Cyprus Property Developers Urge for Building Inspections and Legislative Action on Dangerous Structures**
The Cyprus Property Developers Association has issued a strong call for the implementation of regular technical inspections of buildings and the expedited passage of legislation concerning dangerous buildings. The association emphasized on Tuesday that the time for delays has passed, advocating for a proactive approach to ensure the safety of residents and the public.
Mersina Isidorou, the general manager of the association, highlighted the importance of maintaining building safety, stating, “The safety of buildings and citizens cannot be left to chance.” She urged lawmakers to prioritize the completion of legislation addressing dangerous buildings during the new parliamentary term. The association is advocating for a system akin to the annual MOT inspections for vehicles, where buildings would undergo periodic evaluations to identify structural issues before they escalate into safety hazards.
The call for action comes in light of several alarming incidents involving building safety in recent months. Notably, a partial building collapse in Yermasoyia in April resulted in the tragic deaths of two individuals, while balconies at a seven-storey apartment building in Kapsalos collapsed in June. These incidents have raised significant concerns regarding the structural integrity of buildings across the island.
In addition to regular inspections, the Cyprus Property Developers Association is also pushing for reforms related to jointly owned buildings, an initiative that has been pending since 2023. They are advocating for stronger management committees, the establishment of reserve funds for maintenance, and mechanisms that would allow authorities to intervene promptly when urgent repairs are necessary.
The situation is particularly pressing in Nicosia, where the local government organization (EOA) is managing an extensive backlog of cases involving potentially unsafe buildings. Currently, there are approximately 1,495 cases under review, with 711 classified as dangerous, 130 awaiting assessment for inclusion on the danger register, and 654 still under investigation. To address these pressing issues, the EOA has requested €2 million annually in state funding over the next decade.
The technical chamber of Cyprus (Etek) has echoed the developers' concerns, advocating for regular inspections, especially of older buildings that were constructed prior to the establishment of modern earthquake safety standards. Etek's president, Constantinos Constantis, characterized building safety as a “perennial and systemic problem,” urging authorities to take a more preventive stance in addressing these risks.
As discussions around building safety continue, the Cyprus Property Developers Association’s call for action reflects a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive measures to ensure the structural integrity of buildings and the safety of their occupants. The proposed legislative changes and inspection protocols could play a crucial role in mitigating risks and preventing future tragedies related to building safety in Cyprus.