The Limassol District Local Government Organisation (EOA) has moved into full action over the serious issue of dangerous and dilapidated buildings in Limassol. The tragedy in Germasogeia 10 days ago brought the problem to the forefront, prompting the authorities to act to prevent another disaster and to push building owners to respond.
The scale of the problem is significant. In recent days, teams from the organisation visited 36 buildings deemed extremely dangerous and installed warning signs stating that the buildings are unfit for use. The notices were placed in various common areas of the apartment blocks, in both Greek and English.
At the same time, the organisation has prioritised specific buildings that must be evacuated immediately and is expected to initiate court proceedings to secure evacuation orders.
Residents unsettled
While the local authority is carrying out its duties and seeking to underline the seriousness of the situation, officials acknowledge that 36 apartment blocks cannot be emptied overnight. Nor can maintenance and structural reinforcement works begin immediately, even if residents move out and ground-floor businesses close.
Many residents are experiencing confusion and distress. Without prior knowledge of the structural condition of their buildings, they suddenly found warning signs at the entrance effectively instructing them to leave their homes immediately because of safety risks. This comes amid Limassol’s severe housing shortage, which leaves limited options for affordable alternative accommodation.
Residents, including owners, have already contacted local authorities and the district organisation seeking information and assistance. Germasogeia deputy mayor Christos Papamichael referred to a conversation with an 80-year-old resident who suddenly found a notice on the door. “My son, where am I supposed to go?” the person asked. According to information reported by Politis, similar cases exist in other municipalities.
Officials at the organisation stress that coordination among state services is necessary and point out that securing accommodation is not the organisation’s responsibility, even though it remains a concern.
How will evacuation proceed?
Beyond the general warning signs, the situation appears more serious in Germasogeia, particularly at the Seagate apartment complex. One of the four blocks faces the most severe problems. The district organisation sent letters on Friday to the owners, instructing them to evacuate within three days. Messengers delivered the letters to ensure they reached recipients immediately.
The three-day deadline expires at midnight on Monday, with decisive developments expected today that could set a precedent for other cases. Unless an unexpected turn occurs, the organisation will apply to court for a unilateral evacuation order. Once issued, the order would be enforced with the assistance and presence of the police. Warning signage has also been installed at that building.
As previously reported by Politis, even before the collapse of the Germasogeia apartment block, the organisation had secured an evacuation order for another building in central Limassol but lacked police cooperation to carry it out. Recent developments changed that stance, and the building was evacuated on Friday.
Experience from past court cases suggests that judges require assurances that people forced to leave their homes have somewhere to stay.
Awaiting recommendations
In the coming days, the police file on the investigation into the Germasogeia tragedy is expected to be completed and forwarded to the Law Office for guidance on possible prosecutions and charges. Police continue to take statements, with some individuals summoned more than once for clarification.
A substantial volume of investigative material and evidence has also been gathered, including files related to the apartment building on Aeschylus Street, from the district organisation as well as from the former municipalities of Germasogeia and Amathus.