**Larnaca DLGO Threatens Evacuation of Dangerous Filanta Building**
Larnaca, Cyprus – The Larnaca District Local Government Organisation (DLGO) has issued a stern warning regarding the Filanta apartment complex, which has been deemed structurally unsafe. The DLGO has extended a deadline for the building's owners to initiate hazard-removal procedures, threatening evacuation orders and potential court action if compliance is not met.
The Filanta complex, located in the port area of Larnaca, consists of five blocks that house 79 apartments and ten commercial premises, with ownership shared among more than 90 individuals. It has been identified as the largest building in Larnaca at risk of collapse, raising significant safety concerns for its residents and the surrounding community.
The situation escalated on May 27, when a tragic incident occurred involving a foreign national who died and two others who were injured while attempting to evade arrest during a large-scale operation by the Civil Registry and Migration Department. This incident brought increased attention to the living conditions within the Filanta complex, prompting DLGO officials to conduct door-to-door inspections.
During these inspections, DLGO President Angelos Hatzikyriacos described the living and sanitation conditions as "appalling." Many of the apartments are reportedly occupied by foreign nationals, with some units housing as many as ten individuals. Additionally, inspectors discovered that residents were illegally drawing electricity from one another's supplies, leading Hatzikyriacos to state that "there are violations upon violations in this building."
In light of these findings, Hatzikyriacos emphasized the need for a coordinated response from multiple agencies. He noted that beyond the DLGO's mandate to address the structural hazards, the Police must verify the identities of the residents, the Larnaca Municipality should tackle issues related to nuisance and sanitation, the Electromechanical Service and the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) are responsible for addressing the illegal electrical connections, and the Fire Service must ensure that emergency exits are not obstructed.
The DLGO initially issued notices to the owners last Friday, giving them three working days to take action. Although this deadline has now passed, Hatzikyriacos indicated that an additional two to three days would be granted to those owners who have engaged with the DLGO and are actively working on a plan to rectify the issues. Owners who appoint an engineer and present a viable solution will be afforded more time, while those who fail to comply may face evacuation followed by legal action.
In the coming days, the DLGO plans to conduct similar inspections at other large apartment buildings in Larnaca that have also been declared dangerous. Hatzikyriacos revealed that Larnaca currently has approximately 1,050 dangerous buildings, with around 300 families residing in structures at risk of collapse.
The situation at the Filanta complex highlights broader concerns regarding building safety and living conditions in Larnaca. As authorities continue to address these challenges, the DLGO's actions serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining safe living environments for all residents.
As the deadline for compliance approaches, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of those living in the Filanta building and preventing further tragedies in the future.