In 2023, the Interior Ministry of Cyprus embarked on an ambitious endeavour, identifying 358 apartment complexes across Cyprus in need of reconstruction or renovation. With a 10-year-long timeline and a budget of €130 million, the ktízo urban renewal plan has been described as a ‘moral’ undertaking, as it is an initiative aimed at improving the living conditions for those living in the refugee apartment buildings initially erected to provide housing to displaced Cypriots. Earlier this year, I along with Sofia, the other volunteer in Larnaca, moved into one of these apartments.
Constructed by the government in the wake of the of the 1974 Turkish occupation, these buildings provided a home for displaced Greek Cypriots. With the Turkish occupation, approximately 200,000 Greek Cypriots (40% of the total population) and 50,000 Turkish Cypriots were displaced. Many of these people stayed in displacement camps for years until these buildings were erected as temporary housing solutions to provide them with a home. In total, 14,063 plots of land were allocated for construction purposes, with 2,843 in Nicosia, 2,314 in Famagusta, 4,421 in Limassol, 3,994 in Larnaca and 491 in Paphos. Currently, 95% of these belong to 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation refugees.
These residential units were constructed by the government beginning in 1975, continued until the 1990s and finalized with the last constructions between 2006 and 2011, according to data from the Department of Town Planning and Housing of the Ministry of the Interior. For many, these buildings symbolized not only shelter but also resilience in the face of adversity. Of these complexes, 43 were deemed to be beyond maintenance and slated for demolition, 70 require certain repairs and 245 have fewer repair needs. The next phase of the plan will be to grant subsidies to apartment owners and residents on an annual basis, fostering a collaborative approach to revitalizing neighbourhoods.
Currently, 95% of these belong to 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation refugees. The deeds for the rest were bought by non-displaced Cypriots or nationals of foreign countries. Since over the years the apartment buildings showcased many problems, the Ktizo scheme was designed by the government as a solution and a way to provide “decent and safe living conditions for hundreds of our fellow citizens” according to Margarita Kyriakou, press officer of the Ministry of Interior.
My neighbours are long-term stay refugees from the occupied parts in Famagusta, second and third generation owners and their young families, and other immigrants like me. From young children playing outside, growing families and elderly grandparents recounting stories of the past, together, they form a small and tight-knit community. They have warmly welcomed me and my fellow volunteer into an incredible neighbourhood, full of happiness and laughter, but also evidence of resilience and memories from the past.
