The issue of dangerous buildings seems to be taking on alarming proportions, after the tragic incident of the collapse of an apartment building in Germasogeia (11/4) that resulted in the death of two people.
According to information from "F", citizens interested in investing or buying real estate have recently been contacting the District Self-Government Organization (EOA) of Limassol, asking to be informed if the buildings they are interested in are dangerous or if they can proceed with a purchase.
At the same time, other citizens turn to the Organization for issues related to disputes between co-owners or lack of communication with management committees of apartment buildings, requests that, as it is pointed out, do not fall within the competences of the EDA, as the Organization does not operate as a mediation or private dispute resolution office.
This issue, as we are informed, has caused a headache for the organization, as an increased number of inquiries from citizens and interested buyers is now recorded, putting additional pressure on the competent services.
In yesterday's announcement, the EOA Limassol, on the occasion of the public debate that has developed in recent days on dangerous buildings, emphasizes that the responsibility for the safety, maintenance and static adequacy of each building belongs primarily and exclusively to the owners and, where applicable, to the management committees of communal buildings.
As noted, monitoring the condition of a building and taking timely measures for inspection, maintenance, repairs and removal of potential danger is a legal obligation and is directly linked to the protection of human life and public safety.
The EDA also clarifies that its role is institutionally defined and does not include the continuous inspection or certification of the condition of each private building, nor the substitution of the obligations of the owners.
Particular attention, as emphasized, should be paid to old buildings or buildings that show signs of deterioration, such as cracks, detachment of materials, corrosion of reinforcement, moisture, deformations or subsidence, which may indicate a deterioration of their static condition.
All owners and management committees are invited to proceed immediately with inspections by competent and appropriately trained professionals, registered in the ETEK register, as well as, where required, by companies registered in the Register of Design Companies.
