Every time that there is a vote of some sort (local or national) there is a spree of illegalities that it is quite notable regarding building development. Most towns and municipalities have their own authority to ask for an issue of a demolition order or a stop order for illegal structures. The Mayor/Council is elected by locals, who, with their immediate family amount to a good percentage of votes. Bearing in mind the narrow difference by a few votes in elections, this is quite important. So, we note that voters of any municipality carry out illegal extensions etc, without fearing necessarily any action from the local authority. Those areas which are not governed by municipalities, but are so by the District Officer, who is not elected such phenomena are not necessarily found.

We have reported in the Greek press of 3 containers placed next to the beach in a plot of land with no access, no electricity and no sewage in full view of the passing pedestrian traffic (next to Protaras footpath at Yianna Marie spot).

On a second visit on the same locality we noted that these 3 containers were converted into “houses” with outside stone facing, pergola, grass etc. On a third visit we have noted another 2 containers making this local “estate” 5 containers/houses in total. Along the same footpath another 2 containers appeared at a later date, converted into bars/restaurants – no permits and as such how are they are allowed to work (C.T.O. responsibility etc etc)??

We got in touch with the District Officer who informed us that had these structures were placed within the seashore protection zone (which is his responsibility) he could have had them removed immediately. He then added that it is the Municipality of Paralimni job to undertake the legal or other actions regarding the structures not within the seashore zone. So at the end of the day we have 7 containers defying the system, not because the system is wrong, but because the locals (Municipality etc) have chosen the wrong people (we add – the right people for the voters). We have a similar situation in contrast of Larnaca and Limassol. Limassol has several most attractive kiosks along the seaside promenade duly licensed, yet, when the Larnaca Municipality done the same at the Phoenikoudhes area, the District Officer (being within the seashore protection zone) asked for their removal.

Many more examples are available, but what then, what can we say for Peyia Municipality who has taken over the Coral Bay beach, building all sorts of installations and ignoring just about any law that there is. The previous Minister of Interior (Mr Christou) issued an order to have these removed, but, alas, 4 years after they are still there. What is worse, for the plot of land licensed as a hotel, the owners were refused a building permit (we presume because it is used as a parking for Peyia’s illegal beach facilities and because the hotel would have taken over the most lucrative beach producing income). So at the end of the day and as a theoretical question, why should one be convicted for selling narcotics and why not the whole Peyia and Paralimni Municipalities and why do they get away with it? We say the whole Municipal Council should get a prison sentence since one expects from these “leaders” the good example and not to the contrary.

We can imagine how foreign people look upon us, locals, coming from a more disciplined in law courts. They must feel quite frustrated and disappointed on the local situation.

Lastly and referring to indifferent and “criminal” in a sense local authorities we must object most strongly to the canvassing that takes places in the tourist areas, especially in Pafos (Possidon Avenue). Visiting Kato Pafos, the other day, we were pestered by all sorts of people standing on the restaurant doors enough to put us off to visit any. Yet, the local municipalities could pay a simple visit to their establishment realizing all sorts of illegalities in terms of the building permits and threaten to shut them down if they do not stop this unacceptable behavior, which is an embarrassment to the tourist industry – But we end as we have started – Votes + Votes. A circular Mafia that damages Cyprus?

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