Filenews 13 July 2022 - by Despina Psyllou
"There are buildings that urgently need care so that we do not mourn victims. Their number is significant throughout Cyprus. We're not talking about an overwhelming minority." This is the assessment of the president of ETEK and architect, Konstantinos Konstantis.
As he stressed to "F" on the occasion of the fall of two balconies in Paphos that caused injury to citizens, "the bell rings that we need to make decisions quickly", as well as that there is a danger for neighbours and residents. Any delays, he stresses, will constitute criminal indifference. Unfortunately, he notes, there is no record of the dangerous buildings. "This is the reason why we asked for the creation of the electronic identity of the buildings, starting with the listed buildings. In this way, we will also achieve the goal of recording, in order to preserve our cultural heritage".
In addition, he noted that with the recording, the exact number of the aged building stock of Cyprus will be known. "By ageing, we mean the building that has been erected up to and including 1994. Where there were no antiseismic specifications or mandatory supervision or other parameters. That is why as ETEK we have submitted a proposal for regular inspections, which focus more on those buildings that were erected before 1994". As he clarified, this is a large number of buildings, which accounts for 30% to 40% of the total number throughout Cyprus. "It doesn't mean everything is dangerous. What we are saying is that they need special care, so that they do not become dangerous." The buildings until 1994 need structural and energy upgrade. "We're noticing something crazy. People are upgrading energy so that they are not energy intensive, but they do not maintain their buildings so that they are safe".
He also mentioned that depending on the use of each building, there should be a regular inspection of a building. "We have submitted a relevant proposal to the interior ministry. For example, in a public buildings such as a kindergarten, a nursing home, a shopping centre that is very busy, we propose that every five years a certificate of suitability be requested and posted. Children cannot go to school and whistle indifferently. In the case of the apartment building this requirement is estimated at 20 years. The inspection would depend on the category, the use, the age of the building", he said and clarified that it does not mean that in every surveillance there will be a need for maintenance.
ETEK, Mr. Konstantis said, has called for the establishment of a regular inspection. "It is something that is moving forward and we are asking for it to be put to public consultation so that it can be voted on in the autumn. In any other case we will be talking about criminal indifference on the part of the state. It must be done as soon as possible."
As ETEK, he said, they demand the creation of the electronic building identity. "In other words, there should be the possibility of checking the data of a building online. When it was built, its construction and use, if it was upgraded energetically, if it was upgraded structurally. At the touch of a button we will know the exact situation. Something similar has happened in Greece."
However, he said, preventive maintenance is very important. "An action – repair that currently needs €50, if neglected and time passes, may take €5,000. We see that mostly in apartment buildings."
