The Interior Minister, Constantinos Ioannou, chaired a meeting in Pachna with community leaders from the affected areas and reported that the examination of most compensation applications related to the Limassol mountain wildfire has been completed. He said the government is meeting its targets and that the overall process is advancing day by day.
According to the minister, 699 applications were submitted on time. Of these, 540 cases have been processed, either compensation has been paid, applicants have been informed to sign the acceptance declaration for the assessed damage-cost amount, or the cases are covered by insurance. A further 144 applications were submitted late; their examination will begin next week. Ioannou underlined that the goal of rapid assessments is being met, with the majority of claims already concluded.
Community feedback and follow-up
Ioannou said the purpose of the meeting was to review the implementation of previously announced measures. “The general picture is that there were no substantive problems or complaints,” he noted. Some specific issues affecting particular communities were recorded, and local leaders have arranged to meet the district officer to move them towards resolution.
Fire prevention works and funding
On fire-prevention clean-ups, Ioannou highlighted that the Cabinet has already allocated €1 million to communities and clusters of communities near forests for clearance works. Several communities have proceeded, while others have not yet begun. After the Limassol fire, all mountain communities nationwide were asked to submit the funding they consider necessary to create 200-metre firebreaks around settlements.
The minister said the community of Lofou has already undertaken clearance actions, while other communities are in the tendering stage. He assured that for communities unable to complete procedures and works within the current period, the appropriations will remain available so the clean-ups can go ahead in the next phase.
Insurance disputes and appeals
Responding to citizen complaints about obstacles to insurance payouts, Ioannou said it has been clarified that, provided policyholders are up to date with their instalments, insurance companies will release funds for the restoration of damages. He acknowledged claims in some cases that insurers’ damage estimates are lower than the actual cost. “This is why we have advised obtaining an assessment from a private valuer in addition to the ETEK (Scientific and Technical Chamber of Cyprus) assessment, so that claimants can pursue the amounts if there is a discrepancy with the insurance company,” he said. If differences persist, applicants may file an appeal with the Appeals Committee, which will examine the case.
CNA sourced reporting
