Filanta Court owners in Larnaca allege threats, illegal connections

The management committee of Filanta Court, a complex of five apartment blocks on Makarios Avenue in Larnaca , has called on the authorities to intervene immediately. It alleges illegal electricity and water connections, the letting of flats without their owners’ consent, unauthorised and overcrowded occupancy, and threats against the lawful owners. The complex, near the port, has been declared dangerous by the Larnaca District Local Government Organisation (DLGO). The allegations In a statement, the committee said owners of flats and premises have voiced strong concern and protested over what they say is happening in the shared and other areas of the buildings . They allege that flats are occupied under forged, invalid or illegal tenancy agreements, and that third parties are letting flats and collecting rent without the owners’ consent. The committee said there were signs that money from illegal activities was being laundered through rent collected by people with no right to it. According to the committee, illegal power connections have been made, either directly to meters or by external wiring from flat to flat, and electricity is being illegally traded. It said the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) inspected the connections and found them dangerous. The owners also allege illegal connections to the water supply, water theft , and the supply or sale of water from one meter to other flats. They say they have received threats, and complain of cases in which people “shout and intimidate tenants”. The committee has already filed a complaint with the police against specific individuals. Safety checks The committee said it has appointed a civil engineer in cooperation with the Larnaca DLGO and is carrying out laboratory tests to assess the structural stability of the buildings. On the DLGO’s advice, it has taken measures to protect residents and passers-by from falling plaster, and repairs and renovation are being planned. What the committee wants The committee said unauthorised use of the premises, overcrowding and possible interference with shared or private infrastructure raise serious issues of safety, hygiene, public order and protection of property. It called on the authorities to investigate the complaints and prosecute those breaking the law. It also asked them to check whether the premises are being used and lived in lawfully, and to inspect and remove electrical and plumbing connections that have been removed and reconnected. It urged them to take every measure needed to protect the safety, health and property of owners and residents. The committee said the owners’ protest is not directed at any national, racial or religious group. It said the protest concerns only the legality and safety of the complex, its proper running and the protection of owners’ and users’ rights. Background On May 27, a foreign national died and two others were injured at the complex when they jumped from balconies to avoid arrest during an operation by the Aliens and Immigration Unit. Phileleftheros has reported on the complex over the past two years, following repeated complaints from lawful residents and neighbours about nuisance and the state of the outdoor areas.