The Larnaca District Self-Government Organization informs that all the prescribed procedures have been set in motion for the evacuation of apartment buildings that were deemed to be extremely dangerous, as well as for the adoption of the necessary measures to remove the danger. EOAL publishes a map with the dangerous buildings in Larnaca and at the same time gives an ultimatum of compliance to the owners.
"The EOA Larnaca clarifies that these measures are necessary prevention and protection actions, with the sole aim of ensuring public health and safety and preventing any risk of loss of human life. In specific cases, evacuation procedures are a one-way street of responsibility and legality," he notes. He also adds that "the serious housing and social problem that has been created for a number of our fellow citizens is inextricably linked to the long-term negligence and procrastination of owners, who, despite repeated warnings and remarks from the competent authorities, have chosen for a number of years not to proceed with the required actions, leading the EOA Larnaca to the unpleasant but inevitable obligation to implement the legislation".
Owners of buildings that have been classified as dangerous are invited immediately and without further delay to comply with the instructions of the competent authorities and to take all the necessary measures to remove the risk. Any continuation of inaction or refusal to comply will have serious legal and financial consequences, the EOAL warns. "The Larnaca EOA wishes to make it absolutely clear that, in the event of non-compliance, it will proceed without further notice to take all necessary legal and other measures to ensure legality and protect public safety, with the possibility of recovering the total cost of the works and procedures from the owners themselves."
Non-compliance, he indicates, constitutes a criminal offense and can lead to criminal prosecution of those responsible. According to the relevant legislation, in case of guilt the convicted person is subject to imprisonment of up to one year and/or a fine of up to €10,000, or both sentences together, while in case of a second or subsequent conviction there is a prison sentence of up to two years and/or a fine of up to €20,000 or both sentences together. At the same time, in addition to the possible criminal prosecution or criminal liability of the owners, an administrative fine of up to €20,000 may be imposed, in accordance with the provisions of the current legislation, the Roads and Buildings Law.
The EOA Larnaca emphasizes that it will not show tolerance for phenomena of indifference that endanger human lives and public safety. "The protection of citizens is a non-negotiable priority and the implementation of the legislation will be done with determination and consistency," he says.
