**Etek Warns Time is Running Out on Dangerous Buildings Following Balcony Collapse in Limassol**
The Technical Chamber of Cyprus (Etek) has raised alarms regarding the urgent need for revised legislation on dangerous buildings, following a recent incident in Limassol where a balcony collapsed from a fifth-floor apartment, landing on the flat below. This incident, which occurred on Thursday at the Rousos Olympic Palace complex, has reignited concerns about building safety in the region, particularly as the structure had already been classified as dangerous, with ongoing legal proceedings.
Andreas Theodotou, the secretary general of Etek, expressed his concerns during a statement on Friday, emphasizing the critical nature of the situation. "This incident is particularly alarming given the building's previous designation as dangerous," he noted. In response to the collapse, the Civil Defence authorities evacuated all 56 apartments within the complex to ensure the safety of residents.
The building in question has a troubling history; Yiannis Tsouloftas, chairman of the Limassol EOA (the local building authority), revealed that a similar balcony collapse had occurred in 2022, prompting the designation of the property as dangerous. Legal actions had already been initiated to facilitate the evacuation of tenants. Following the latest incident, residents were relocated to alternative accommodations while property owners began the process of hiring civil engineers to assess the structural integrity of the building and initiate necessary repairs.
Currently, Limassol has approximately 1,100 buildings listed as dangerous, raising significant concerns about public safety. Theodotou indicated that discussions regarding amendments to the roads and buildings regulations law commenced in early September, with the intention of empowering EOAs to take swift action in addressing hazardous structures. "We are working to streamline procedures so that EOAs can seal buildings and undertake urgent repairs without waiting for owner consent," he explained.
A critical aspect of the proposed changes is the need for adequate funding to enable authorities to carry out evacuation or repair work upfront, with the possibility of recouping costs from property owners later. Theodotou welcomed the Interior Minister Constantinos Iannou's commitment to allocate a budget to support these initiatives, emphasizing that a substantial financial investment is necessary given the volume of dangerous buildings in the area.
In addition to legislative changes, Theodotou highlighted the importance of implementing mandatory building inspections as a preventive measure against future incidents. He pointed out that had such inspections been in place over the past decade, many dangerous buildings could have been identified and addressed much earlier. "Regular inspections can significantly reduce repair costs," he stated, noting that timely maintenance of buildings could prevent minor issues from escalating into major structural problems.
Theodotou also mentioned ongoing discussions in parliament regarding separate legislation aimed at addressing the management of jointly owned buildings. Many apartment complexes have struggled to establish management committees and reserve funds for necessary maintenance, which has contributed to the deterioration of some properties. Amendments to this legislation are expected to be reviewed next month, with the goal of passing the law by the end of the year.
Etek has been proactive in educating its members about identifying structural damage, conducting seminars to enhance awareness and skills in this area. Theodotou reiterated the importance of regular inspections, stating, "A 20- to 25-year-old apartment building will incur very little damage and its repair costs will be significantly lower for each owner compared to a building that has gone without maintenance for 40 to 50 years."
As the situation develops, Etek continues to advocate for swift legislative reforms and enhanced safety measures to protect residents from the dangers posed by structurally unsound buildings. The urgency of these changes is underscored by recent events, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to building safety in Cyprus.