Phileleftheros has uncovered the tragic case of a 55 year old Greek Cypriot man living in shocking conditions in the rubble, one could say, of a run down home in the Larnaca district.
The man, facing a host of long term medical issues has been surviving an unprecedented unsanitary situation for years, as competent authorities were no longer able to provide him with even the slightest of assistance.
For no less than seven years the man had no electricity, with the water supply being paid by the community for humanitarian reasons. The false ceilings in the rooms have all but collapsed with the 55 year old sleeping in a decrepit living room or outdoors on the veranda, surrounded by garbage. The home has been taken over by bats and spiders.
The man had been receiving a benefit from social services which was terminated recently as the Welfare Department demanded proof of employment documents from the country he was living in many years ago, in order to provide Low Income Benefit. ‘It is impossible to secure such documents’, he added.
Until July 2024, the 55 year old was receiving 400 euro in benefits and since then he is surviving on handouts from people in the community. Beyond the practical details of his situation, the most pressing question is why the competent services had no knowledge of this man’s truly tragic living conditions, a real danger to his welfare.
The man says that no one from social services ever visited his home.
The deputy minister of social welfare was made aware of the situation by Philenews and steps have already been taken to move the 55 year old to a decent home with rent paid from social services. The 400 euro benefit has been reinstated, while his old house is being cleaned up, so he can eventually return.
What’s more pressing though are the many medical issues that he has been facing and the need for immediate attention, examinations and follow ups in order to make sure that this man never has to face this situation again.
To the welfare ministry’s credit, many such cases brought to its attention by journalists, have been dealt with accordingly and all the necessary action taken.
