12.07.2022
Old buildings in Cyprus must undergo an immediate inspection, and the authorities must put in place mechanisms to prevent incidents such as the collapse of two balconies in Paphos from happening again.
The Cyprus Science and Technology Chamber (ETEK) is once again calling on the authorities to assess aging buildings, many of which pose a risk as they require maintenance.
ETEK, the state’s official technical adviser, said in a statement that much of the island’s property listing is old buildings not built to modern standards.
It states that many of them were built before anti-seismic construction methods were introduced, and the materials today are considered unsuitable.
ETEK claims that the problems have been exacerbated by the lack of regular maintenance of buildings, which is often the main factor in their partial or even complete collapse.
“Given these facts and that the protection of human life should be the highest priority, ETEK’s position is that preventive measures must be taken to protect buildings from damage over time, earthquakes or other disasters.”
The Accounts Chamber submitted to the Ministry of the Interior a specific proposal for the institutionalization of periodic inspection of buildings.
ETEK said it would resume a series of educational seminars on old building inspections for its members following the latest incidents.
He calls on the State to immediately launch awareness-raising campaigns about the risks associated with the lack of maintenance of buildings, especially old ones, and the need to take measures to ensure the safety of residents, which is the responsibility of every owner.
The Cyprus Property Fund has come under the spotlight after two balcony collapse incidents in Paphos left seven people injured, four of them seriously.
The incidents happened 24 hours apart last week in the city.
