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Built a Floor in a Water Supply Building in#8230; One Day? Damning Audit Report

Published June 11, 2025, 10:43

A special report by the Auditor General reveals serious irregularities regarding the housing of the Development Licensing Directorate of the Nicosia EOA. The addition of a floor and warehouse to the Water Supply building was done through procedures that violate transparency and good governance rules. The project, initially budgeted at €495,000, eventually cost over €2.1 million without prior impact assessment or evaluation of alternatives. Resorting to negotiation without a competition was justified by the argument of urgent need, however the Auditor General points out that the need was predictable. In addition, the plans for the new floor were drawn up before the Ministry of Interior was informed. There are suspicions that the contractor had assurances of being awarded the project and started work without a permit and contract. The project was agreed with additional cost and a “bonus” for acceleration, while it was already almost completed. Also, the building was put into use before the Building Permit was issued, violating urban planning legislation. The report raises serious doubts about the management of the project and calls for an immediate assessment of the findings and accountability.