Nearly a month after the Limassol local government organisation (EOA) applied for a court order to evacuate the unsafe Seagate apartment complex following a partial collapse that killed two people, no decision has been made. The delay highlights shortcomings in Cyprus’ legal framework for handling dangerous buildings, according to Limassol EOA president Yiannis Tsouloftas.

Tsouloftas criticised the current legal processes as slow and ineffective, hindering swift action to protect residents. Around 60 families live in the complex, with building owners appealing the evacuation request. The court is examining the appeal, and if the order is granted, owners must vacate the premises or face legal consequences enforced by police.

The EOA is also concerned about financing repairs for hazardous buildings, which is not adequately covered by current funding mechanisms. Tsouloftas called for legislative changes to give EOAs authority to act quickly and for a cooperative approach with central government to address the broader social and housing problems connected with unsafe structures. Limassol has identified around 1,000 potentially dangerous buildings, with 96 officially declared dangerous so far.