The condition of the derelict former Othello cinema in Engomi is raising serious safety and public health concerns, with Nicosia Municipality and the Nicosia District Local Government Organisation (DLGO) acknowledging the problems but so far unable to take adequate action. MP Irene Charalambides raised the issue in a letter to both bodies, asking for an update on the building’s condition and the measures taken so far.
The abandoned complex sits on 28 October Street, a busy, highly commercial road, and shows not only serious structural problems but also conditions that raise public health concerns, according to the authorities responsible.
In a response to Charalambides dated September 3, 2026, the DLGO said that following a complaint about the building’s danger, a private civil engineer contracted by the Organisation carried out a visual inspection on September 29, 2025. The conclusion was clear: the building was in such a condition that it endangered both its occupants and passers-by. The inspection report also recorded that the building was in poor condition, with severely cracked and deteriorated concrete elements.
The DLGO’s response set out what followed. The owners were notified in October 2025, and again in March 2026, to carry out the necessary studies and take action to remove the danger. With no substantial response and communication problems among the co-owners, the DLGO fenced off part of the building, the rear and the parking area, in April 2026 to prevent entry to the dangerous section.
Different engineers, no agreement
The owners have appointed different civil engineers and submitted more than one study on removing the danger, the DLGO said. Implementing any study, however, requires the cooperation and consent of all the owners, which so far appears to be the main obstacle. The DLGO added that it made efforts to get the owners to communicate, without success.
Until recently, there was also no Management Committee for the building. The Land Registry called a General Assembly of the owners on July 7, 2026 to elect one, but the DLGO said it did not know the outcome as of the date of its response. The Organisation says it is now proceeding with an administrative fine, since the owners have not substantially complied.
Problem inside the former cinema too
The situation is not confined to the building’s exterior. According to information made public in April 2026, the interior of the former cinema contained piles of rubbish, discarded objects and flammable materials, dead pigeons and cats, human and animal faeces, dozens of empty cat food tins, and rotting food.
Over a year without a solution
In a letter to Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos, Charalambides noted that more than a year had passed since the Municipality’s own notice, dated August 25, 2025, and asked what immediate measures the Municipality intended to take. In a separate letter to the DLGO, dated September 1, 2026, she raised the issue of structural adequacy and public safety, asking the Organisation to explain what action it is taking within its powers to ensure legal obligations are met.
Parliamentary question to health, interior ministers
The matter has also reached Parliament, through a parliamentary question from Charalambides to the Health and Interior ministers dated August 27, 2026. She cited statements from the president of the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK) and an expert report from a Chamber member. She said the Othello problem has dragged on and that, despite serious warnings, adequate management action has still not been taken.
In her question, she described the building as a “health bomb,” pointing to standing water and a heavy presence of fleas alongside the previously reported rubbish and animal remains. She asked the government to specify what action it intends to take to protect citizens, noting that the case concerns the state Health Services, the DLGO and Nicosia Municipality.
