The Government’s “ktiZO” (build) scheme, involving the demolition of 43 apartment blocks in refugee housing estates and the renovation of 70 others, has begun to take shape despite numerous challenges.
Construction of the first apartment block has commenced, with Interior Minister and MPs from the Parliamentary Refugee Committee visiting the initial site at Apostolos Andreas estate in Latsia on Tuesday.
A structural assessment of 358 apartment blocks revealed that 245 are in satisfactory condition.
For each of the 70 blocks scheduled for renovation, up to €300,000 will be allocated, with an additional €90,000 provided for buildings requiring lift installation.
The first phase encompasses 43 apartment blocks containing 375 flats, with 327 eligible residents participating.
Forty residents opted out and will receive compensation, whilst seven flats are state-owned.
Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou announced the reconstruction would be completed within two years.
The scheme requires resident contributions of:
- €10,000 for one-bedroom flats
- €20,000 for two-bedroom flats
- €25,000 for three-bedroom flats
This represents approximately 10% of the new apartments’ value.
The government will provide grants of:
- €30,000 for one-bedroom flats
- €40,000 for two-bedroom flats
- €50,000 for three-bedroom flats
The total project cost is estimated at €130m, with the state contributing €13m in grants for the first phase alone.
The scheme also addresses issues concerning properties built on Turkish Cypriot land, allowing residents to convert lease certificates to ownership titles.
The ministry has allocated €975,000 to assist 95 residents who cannot afford their contributions, funded through private donations.
Additionally, €1.5m has been spent on temporary rental support, averaging €112,000 monthly.
