Halkın Sesi (17.02.23) publishes news regarding an appeal for the evacuation of the Laguna apartment complex located in occupied Famagusta.
The newspaper reports that the Denizyıldızı apartment complex [Note. Transl.: star of the sea], also known as Laguna, which consists of 120 apartments and is considered a symbol of Famagusta, is an investment belonging to the family of the Greek Cypriot businessman Mr. Lordos. In 1976, by decision of the so-called cabinet, it was granted to the Administration of Endowments (EBKAF).
The building has housed 60 families since 1976, as well as families who moved in later or businesses that use it as business accommodation.
According to a written announcement by EVKAF, the "Association of Chambers of Turkish Cypriot Engineers and Architects (KTMMOB)" was requested to examine the earthquake resistance of the building and to propose scientific strengthening methods. The report prepared and delivered in May 2021 states that the building is not considered safe in its existing condition. On November 4, 2021, the building was classified as dangerous, all residents were informed and a public warning was posted.
The announcement concludes that, despite the updates and all the efforts of EVKAF, as well as the additional expert reports regarding the building's static problems, there are tenants who have not left, even if the leases have not been renewed, and are still living in the apartments not taking into account expert reports.
Kıbrıs (17.02.23) also mentions the issue with the headline "Dangerous discrepancy", and publishes statements by Ufuk Umai, president of the "Laguna association", who, speaking on behalf of the residents, stated that the attitude of EVKAF is not benevolent, that they are worried and do not trust EVKAF. and.
Calling on the "government" to help them, Umai argued that there is no "KTMMOB" report that says the building will collapse and must be evacuated immediately, adding that no static improvement has been made in 50 years.
Umai expressed their readiness to assist, if required, in the strengthening of the building in accordance with the provisions of the "KTMMOB" report.
"This is one of the symbolic buildings of Famagusta, you will not bully the people of Famagusta into abandoning it and turn it into a ghost building, or gift it to some capital organization based abroad," said Umai.