**Tools for Evacuating Dangerous Buildings in Limassol Criticized as Ineffective**
In the wake of a balcony collapse in Limassol that led to the evacuation of an entire block, Yiannis Tsouloftas, chairman of the Limassol EOA (the local building authority), expressed serious concerns regarding the current legal frameworks for evacuating dangerous buildings. He described these tools as “time consuming and ineffective,” highlighting the urgent need for legislative reform.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, has brought attention to the safety of numerous buildings in the area. Tsouloftas revealed that there are approximately 1,100 potentially dangerous buildings in Limassol, with 60 identified as requiring immediate evacuation. This alarming statistic underscores the pressing need for action to ensure public safety.
Following the balcony collapse, inspections of buildings across Limassol have intensified. So far, 370 cases have been assigned to private civil engineers, who have prepared 296 reports on the condition of these structures. The EOA has reviewed technical reports for 157 buildings, declaring them dangerous. Among these, 60 buildings have been flagged for urgent evacuation, while two have already been demolished due to safety concerns.
Tsouloftas pointed out that the existing legal processes are inadequate, citing a specific case in Yermagoyia where an evacuation order has remained unexecuted since May. He emphasized that the legislative framework needs to be modernized swiftly to address the issues posed by the country’s aging buildings.
The chairman identified several areas of legislation that require urgent attention. These include the management of dangerous buildings, the governance of jointly owned properties, the operation of management committees for blocks of flats, and the regular technical inspection of buildings. He argued that without these updates, the safety of residents in Limassol and potentially other areas remains at risk.
For residents and stakeholders seeking information about buildings declared dangerous in Limassol, the EOA has made data available through its WebGIS digital service. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and provide the public with access to critical safety information.
As inspections continue and more reports are generated, the call for legislative reform grows louder. The recent incidents have highlighted the need for a more efficient and effective approach to managing building safety, ensuring that residents can live without fear of structural failures.