**Seagate Delay Exposes Flaws in Law on Dangerous Buildings, Says Limassol EOA Chief**
Limassol, Cyprus – The Limassol district local government organisation (EOA) is facing significant delays in its efforts to address the safety concerns surrounding the Seagate apartment complex in the Yermasoyia tourist area, which partially collapsed on April 11, resulting in two fatalities. Nearly a month after the EOA applied for a court order to evacuate the unsafe building, no decision has been made, highlighting what EOA President Yiannis Tsouloftas describes as critical flaws in the current legal framework governing dangerous structures.
On May 20, the EOA filed its application for an evacuation order, but as of now, the Limassol district court has yet to render a decision. During a recent court hearing, directions were issued regarding the next steps in the legal proceedings, which have been complicated by an appeal lodged by the building's owners against the EOA's request. This appeal is currently under review by the interior ministry.
Tsouloftas criticized the existing legal mechanisms, stating that while they do exist, they are “time-consuming and ineffective.” He emphasized that the slow pace of legal proceedings hampers the ability of authorities to respond swiftly to dangerous buildings, putting residents at risk. "Legal tools may exist, but they are slow and ineffective and do not provide the organisation with the ability to offer an immediate solution to a problem involving a dangerous structure," he remarked.
If the court ultimately grants the evacuation order, the owners of the Seagate complex will be mandated to vacate the premises, which houses approximately 60 families. Non-compliance could lead to legal repercussions for the owners, with law enforcement tasked with ensuring the order is enforced.
The EOA president also raised concerns about the financial implications of maintaining unsafe buildings. He noted that local government organisations are funded through services such as water supply and sewerage, which do not generate income to address the responsibilities imposed on them regarding dangerous structures. Tsouloftas questioned the fairness of potentially increasing water bills or doubling building permit fees to cover the costs associated with unsafe properties, particularly when such measures would unfairly burden residents.
"Should someone’s water bill increase to subsidise the negligence of a neighbour with a dangerous building?" he asked, highlighting the contradiction with European regulations that prohibit cross-subsidisation among the services provided by EOAs.
In addition to the financial burden, Tsouloftas pointed out the social implications of the situation. Many residents may lack the financial means to secure alternative housing when forced to leave unsafe buildings. The ongoing housing crisis and rising rents in Limassol exacerbate the issue, compelling some individuals to reside in unsafe properties due to lower rental costs. "It is a social problem that the state must address comprehensively," he stated, underscoring the need for collaboration between local authorities and the central government.
The Limassol EOA has identified approximately 1,000 potentially dangerous buildings within the district. Of these, 262 have been visually inspected by civil engineers from the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (Etek), following an agreement with the EOA. Reports for 220 of these properties have been submitted and are currently under assessment by EOA engineers to determine the necessary course of action, whether it be immediate evacuation or repairs.
Tsouloftas noted that 96 buildings in Limassol have already been officially classified as dangerous, including 70 identified by the EOA and 26 inherited from previous planning authorities. For buildings deemed highly dangerous, owners will be given a deadline to rectify the issues. Should they fail to comply, the EOA will initiate legal proceedings to mitigate the risks posed by these structures.
In light of the ongoing challenges, Tsouloftas is advocating for legislative amendments that would empower district organisations to act more decisively in dealing with unsafe buildings. He believes that a more effective legal framework is essential to protect residents and ensure their safety in the face of potential hazards.
As the situation unfolds, the Limassol EOA continues to navigate the complexities of legal processes while striving to safeguard public safety in the district. The pressing need for reform in the management of dangerous buildings remains a topic of critical importance for local authorities and residents alike.