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Cyprus Cadastre Department Faces Criticism Over Uncollected Revenue and Staff Shortages

Published March 12, 2026, 17:10
Cyprus Cadastre Department Faces Criticism Over Uncollected Revenue and Staff Shortages

The Parliamentary Committee on Control has identified serious problems within the Cadastre and Survey Department, including uncollected revenue of €18.5 million in 2024 (a €3 million increase compared to 2023), an inability to monitor lease agreements, and a large number of pending applications for state land leases (approximately 8000 as of mid-2025, with an average completion time of 8 years). Additionally, illegal state land leases (1100 cases in 2024, some pending for over 15 years) and the use of private land for requisitions without legal order were detected. The Committee also noted delays in the execution of the Department's activities, causing public frustration. The Committee Chairman, Zacharias Koulias, described the Cadastre Department as the “poor relation” of the public sector, pointing out its understaffing. The representative of the Audit Office, Maria Pavlou, agreed, emphasizing the need for changes to better serve citizens. The Auditor General's report highlighted long-standing weaknesses of the Department, based on a random sample rather than targeted audits. The Director of the Cadastre Department, Neoklis Neokleous, defended the Department's work, stating that its actions are transparent and that the Department is a model at the European level. However, the Committee and the Audit Office insist on the need for immediate staff reinforcement and process improvements. The discussion highlighted the need for substantial changes in the Cadastre Department to address long-standing problems, improve citizen service, and ensure public revenue. Staff shortages and bureaucracy are significant obstacles to the Department's effective operation.