In a bid to balance public safety with the preservation of Cyprus’s architectural legacy, the Scientific and Technical Chamber of Cyprus (ETEK) has formally submitted a set of technical recommendations to the District Local Government Organizations (EOA) across Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, and Famagusta.
The move follows recent building collapses that tragically resulted in lost lives, underscoring an urgent need for local authorities to manage structural hazards effectively. However, ETEK emphasizes that swift hazard mitigation must not come at the cost of irreversibly destroying culturally or historically significant structures, particularly 20th-century reinforced concrete buildings, which are aging and often lack formal institutional safeguards.
According to ETEK, key steps should be taken prior to sanctioning any demolition:
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Identification & Risk Classification: Evaluating officers should explicitly document whether a hazardous property holds listed status or architectural merit, while establishing clear risk classification categories.
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Specialized Technical Assessments: Unless a building poses an immediate, catastrophic threat of collapse, a comprehensive engineering assessment must be carried out prior to any demolition order.
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Prioritizing Temporary Stabilization: Wherever technically feasible, authorities should explore temporary shoring and protective measures before resorting to demolition.
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Mandatory Archival Documentation: When demolition is deemed unavoidable, a complete photographic record and documentation of the structure must be mandated. ETEK also stresses the importance of allowing a reasonable timeframe to complete these technical reviews.
To address the specific vulnerabilities of 20th-century reinforced concrete heritage, ETEK has formed a dedicated Scientific Committee for the Protection of 20th Century Historic Buildings Made of Reinforced Concrete. The committee is tasked with documenting, monitoring, and advocating for the conservation of Cyprus’s modern built environment.
Looking ahead, ETEK advocates extending the protective safeguards under Article 15C of the relevant legislation to cover non-listed structures of documented historical or architectural value. The Chamber has reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate directly with Regional District Authorities and relevant government agencies to establish clear operational guidelines when structural risks arise.
Source: Stockwatch.com.cy