On-site visual inspections of approximately 15 to 20 buildings already classified as high-risk within Larnaca town have begun, the Larnaca District Local Government Organisation (DLGO) has announced, as it moves to tackle a backlog of more than 563 reportedly dangerous structures inherited from previous competent authorities.
A six-member team of engineers, technicians and officers from both the DLGO and Larnaca Municipality is carrying out the inspections, with the aim of taking immediate measures to eliminate danger, the DLGO said.
Staffing and legal capacity
To support the broader effort, the DLGO said it has drawn up an organisational chart for the staffing of a dedicated Dangerous Buildings Department within its Enforcement Sector. The department is planned to have eight staff, to be recruited either through the permanent filling of approved posts or through fixed-term contracts with qualified private sector professionals, under the approved budget.
A study of the relevant legislation is also under way in cooperation with legal advisers, the DLGO said, and recruitment of an Administrative Officer with a legal background is being pursued to strengthen the department’s legal support capacity.
Recording and assessment
The DLGO said it has published a call for expressions of interest for the assignment of works to record and assess the 563-plus reportedly dangerous buildings notified to it by previous competent authorities. A further 114 buildings submitted for examination since the DLGO began operating will also be inspected, though the organisation noted that some or all of these may already be included in the inherited caseload.
“In this context, a preliminary prioritisation of cases will be carried out, while specialised civil engineers will undertake on-site recording, assessment and categorisation of the buildings, with the aim of their immediate and effective management,” the DLGO said.
The initiative aims to assess and review the risk level of already registered buildings, identify and visually inspect further structures that may warrant classification as dangerous, and examine the sanitary condition of buildings classified as dangerous or under assessment.
Public safety focus
The DLGO said all actions form part of a broader coordinated framework aimed at protecting public safety and preventing risk.
“The Larnaca DLGO, in close cooperation with Larnaca Municipality, remains firmly on the front line, with readiness, responsibility and determination, to address challenges and provide immediate and substantive solutions. Through targeted actions, it continues to strengthen prevention, transparency and effective response, contributing substantively to safeguarding the quality of life of citizens,” the organisation said.
Read more: