The Management Committee of an apartment complex in Larnaca is calling for an immediate investigation by the competent authorities, citing a series of complaints that, as it states, concern, among other things, illegal electricity and water connections, the use of apartments without the owners’ consent, unauthorized and overcrowded occupancy, as well as threats against its members.
In a statement dated October 2, the Management Committee states that, as the lawful owners of apartments and premises, they express strong concern and protest regarding incidents and conditions which, they claim, are taking place in the common and other areas of the apartment buildings.
Among other things, they allege the occupation of apartments based on forged, invalid, or illegal lease agreements, without the consent of the rightful owners, as well as the renting out of apartments and the collection of rent by third parties without the owners’ consent.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The Commission also cites evidence of money laundering through the collection of rent from unauthorized parties, as well as the illegal trade in electricity and water.
Reference is also made to illegal electrical connections, either directly to meters or via external wiring from apartment to apartment, which, according to the Commission, were inspected by the EAC and deemed dangerous.
Illegal connections to the water supply network, water theft, and the supply or sale of water from one meter to other apartments have also been reported.
The Management Committee further reports that its members have received threats, while claiming that, after illegal connections are disconnected in cooperation with the Water Supply Authority and the EAC, they are reconnected. As it alleges, there are cases where individuals are shouting at and intimidating tenants.
According to the statement, the Committee has already filed a complaint with the police against specific individuals, while complaints have been filed—and continue to be filed—by apartment owners.
At the same time, the Committee reports that, in cooperation with the Larnaca Building Control Authority (EOA), it has appointed a civil engineer and is conducting laboratory tests to assess the structural integrity of the apartment buildings. Measures have also been taken, following recommendations from the Larnaca Building Authority, to protect tenants and passersby from falling plaster, while actions are being planned for the repair and renovation of the buildings.
The Commission maintains that the illegal or unauthorized use of spaces, overcrowding, unauthorized occupancy, and potential interference with public or private infrastructure create, as it states, serious issues regarding safety, sanitation, public order, and property protection.
It calls on the competent authorities to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation of the complaints, to crack down on illegal activity and to prosecute those who, as it states, financially exploit foreign property or traffic in water and electricity.
It also calls for an inspection of the legality of use and occupancy within the buildings, inspect and remove electrical and plumbing connections that, as he alleges, are repeatedly disconnected and reconnected, as well as take all necessary measures to protect the safety, health, and property of the lawful owners and tenants.
The Management Committee clarifies, finally, that the owners’ protest is not directed against any ethnic, racial, or religious group, but concerns, as stated, exclusively the legality, the safety, the proper functioning of the apartment building, and the protection of the rights of lawful owners and occupants.
*File photo
