The new interactive platform created to document abandoned and hazardous buildings in the Nicosia District was presented on the Alpha Summer show by the President of the Nicosia District Local Government Organization, Konstantinos Giorkatzis.
Mr. Giorkatzis stated that the registry currently includes approximately 700 buildings, and the goal is to have the approximately 1,500 buildings in the district October to have the approximately 1,500 buildings in the district recorded as well.
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As he clarified, classifying a building as “dangerous” does not necessarily mean that it is on the verge of collapse. “These may be buildings that need repairs to their masonry or roof, listed buildings, or even structures located within the Green Line,” he explained.
When asked whether the platform also records the extent of the damage requiring restoration, he replied that for now, only buildings in need of repairs are being registered, while more categories and additional information will be added at a later stage.
Read also: New digital service from the Nicosia EOA: View Nicosia’s hazardous buildings on an interactive map
During the visit, Mr. Giorkatzis gave a step-by-step presentation of how the platform works, explaining how citizens can access the Organization’s official website and locate buildings on the interactive map that have been recorded as abandoned or dangerous.
Referring to the process of classifying a building as dangerous or abandoned, Mr. Giorkatzis noted that recent incidents in Nicosia, as well as in other municipalities, have highlighted the need to update the legislation.
As he stated, when a building is deemed unfit or dangerous for habitation, the competent authorities must have the necessary legal tools to act immediately, even if it means evacuating the building.
At the same time, he emphasized the need for cooperation between the Ministry of the Interior and the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare, so that temporary support can be provided to people living in such buildings who are unable to secure alternative housing.
Finally, he explained that the assessment process begins with a visual inspection by specialized officials. Subsequently, owners are required to carry out the necessary technical studies and the required restoration work on the buildings.
See the steps in detail:
