Philenews

Audit Office: Ghost Building in the Capital Incomplete Since 2010 – Safety, Public Health and City Image Concerns – Chaos in Construction

Published March 26, 2026, 07:14
Audit Office: Ghost Building in the Capital Incomplete Since 2010 – Safety, Public Health and City Image Concerns – Chaos in Construction

An eight-story building in Nicosia, which received a building permit in 2010 and has not been completed, has prompted intervention from the Audit Office, which points out serious issues of safety, public health, and the city's image. The building, with a metal frame instead of the planned reinforced concrete, has remained incomplete for 14 years, while there have also been changes in its use, such as the conversion of the ground floor into a cafe. The Audit Office finds a lack of supervision and control by the competent services, as well as unjustified delays in the completion of the project. It also points out that the abandonment of the building creates safety problems, as human remains have been found within the construction site, and endangers the health of passersby. The non-compliance with the terms of the building permit and the continuous changes in the use of the building indicate a chaotic framework for licensing and construction. The Audit Office calls on the competent authorities to take immediate measures to restore legality, ensure the safety of citizens, and restore the image of the city. This case highlights the need to strengthen controls and supervision in the construction sector, as well as to impose stricter penalties on those who violate regulations. The completion of the unfinished building or its demolition is an immediate priority for restoring order and safety in the area.