No.152
Q.: Dear Mr Loizou,
having been in our property in Peyia for 4 years, we have been advised by our builder that he now has the completion certificate for the property and he expects that Title Deeds will be issued in 2010.
I would like to build a pergola of about 20 sq metres adjoining one side of our property and on asking our builder about this he says to wait until the title deeds are issued. I have seen many properties nearby where pergolas have been erected adjoining the house where title deeds had not been issued at the time of building. I particularly need one to give good shade from the sun as the medication I am receiving causes body temperature fluctuations and good shade and fresh air would be beneficial to me rather than sitting indoors, particularly from June to September.
Do you think I should wait until I receive title deeds ? I would appreciate your views , especially as I will be needing this medication until at least January 2011.


Yours faithfully,

B.McGovern

A.: If your builder has secured a certificate of final approval I would have done it, be it “slightly” illegal. I will not expect non issue of title because of this – bearing in mind that your are talking about a side pergola and this sticking my neck out for you Brian.
Regards,
A.P. Loizou



3/29219-td
24.9.09

Νο.153
Q.: I live on the top floor of an apartment building. The roof insulation needs repair and I am the only one who has water coming in from the roof. I have asked the administrative committee to repair it at common expense and I was told that being the one “under” the roof, it is my responsibility to repair. Yet in your writings you say that the roof is a common area and as such it requires a common expenses matter. Your urgent opinion please Mr Loizou.
Sophie King

A.: What a load of rubbish dear Sophie. It is a common responsibility indeed. Show them my reply dear Sophie and let them come back to me. In the meantime if a matter of urgency and based on solicitor’s advice, do the repair and charge the committee.
Regards,
A.P. Loizou


3/29195-td
24.9.09

No.154
Q.: Thank you for your article on the old cities and I admire your courage to confront the local Municipality of Nicosia. Your observation on the legal and illegal immigrants, especially on the Muslim population is another plus in your correct observations. Will you not stand to be accused again dear Mr Loizou of racism (see the Iranian doctor’s letter on Iranian home buyers) as well as a possible business loss for your business from the local authorities?
Stelios Anastasiou

A.: Dear Stelios, in my mind we have a mission as an office to try to get this country become better than it is. Of course whoever writes publicly must expect a reaction from different opinionated people. This is what democracy is all about. Whoever has a different view is welcome to publish, provided (in our opinion not the editor’s) this is done in a descent and professional way. Do not think that we cannot write back in the same manner (see as you say the Iranian doctor to whom I have replied back, but not notwithstanding our correct way of replying the editor refused to publish and this notwithstanding our two reminders – Not in this paper I must say).
Regards,
A.P. Loizou


3/29196-td
24.9.09

No.156
Q.: Our neighbour is discharging his brackish water (pool) in the road which leads almost into our garden. Is this legal you think Mr Loizou?
Despina Olymbiou

A.: Strictly speaking Despina he is not allowed to do this. He ought to discharge in the drain but if there is no drain, he ought to have an absorbing pit within his garden. If you want to take the matter further, check if he has a permit for his pool and what the conditions are on the subject. You can make his life difficult, but it is up to you – bearing in mind always the good neighbourliness that I often refer to. Check your own permits etc first and if everything you have is OK, then you take the action that you wish to take.
Regards,
A.P. Loizou

No.155
Q.: I remember 2 years ago dear Mr Loizou that you have suggested the sinking of a Jumbo aeroplane and other ships in the coastal line of Cyprus, not only to provide a divers attraction, but also these “reefs” will be a place of fish replenishment etc. Yet Mrs X mocked you. Now we see that the Government (after 2 years) has decided to sink all sorts of old ships etc to do the same. Should you not reply to her for her stupidity?
Leslie Dinos

A.: My dear Leslie, whoever writes publicly must expect all sorts of opposing opinions. What I cannot accept is those who know nothing else and write publicly, to apologize themselves when proven wrong. The creation of “reefs” and diving destinations is one of the many touristic attractions. Dubai has sunk 2 Dutch war ships, Jamaica has done something similar, whereas the sinking accidentally of Zinovia is one of the best divers destinations in Cyprus. Paralimni Municipality has taken this one also on by sinking a small ship.
All sort of people can write to our Q+A column and all opinions are respected, but at least those who choose to write publicly should do their own homework beforehand.
Thank you Leslie but I will not reply to Mrs X in hope that she still reads this paper.
Regards,
A.P. Loizou



3/29200-td
25.9.09

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