Audit office report criticizes 14-year abandonment of Nicosia building

The Audit Office of Cyprus has issued a report highlighting the 14-year state of incompletion regarding an eight-storey building located on Spyrou Kyprianou Avenue in Nicosia. Originally permitted in August 2011, the structure was planned to include ground-floor shops, two residential floors, and five floors of office space with underground parking. During construction, the project deviated from approved blueprints—including the unauthorized use of a metal framework—yet owners have faced no financial penalties or consequences. Auditor-General Andreas Papaconstantinou noted that while the site is fenced, it remains accessible and poses public health risks, citing a past incident where a body was discovered on the premises. The report identifies significant gaps in current legislation and criticizes the local authorities for their failure to enforce regulations or impose fines. Proposed solutions include redefining the term 'unfinished building,' setting strict permit validity limits, and linking permit renewals to verified construction progress. Papaconstantinou emphasized that this site is symptomatic of a broader problem across Cyprus, calling for more proactive state intervention in urban centers.