The non-continuation of the policy for granting a compensatory plot to the refugees living in c / c residences creates new distinctions between the appeals, said the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for Refugees Skevi Koukouma, after the discussion on the compensatory measures, which should be given to refugee families, which are not covered by the latest regulations passed for the securitization of refugee residences and the allocation of land to families residing in a Turkish Cypriot residence or land.
Ms. Koukouma said that it is estimated that there are around 5.000 T / C houses where refugees live and said that the previous government had conducted a study and identified land that could be given to the refugees living in them, a compensatory plot.
He said that the securitization of refugee residences, the granting of some compensatory plots and rental certificates discriminated against the refugees, explaining that the biggest injustice is suffered by the heirs of those living in Turkish Cypriot residences who did not receive a residence permit. and those who received compensatory land, as the state regains the T / C residence after the death of the beneficiaries.
He stated that with a decision of the previous Government, the division of plots proceeded and 164 compensatory plots, 210 plots in Larnaca and 44 in Paphos were granted to refugees living in c / o houses in Nicosia and added that in April 2013 the Government decided to terminate plots.
The Chairperson of the Committee The Chairperson of the Refugee Committee expressed the view that the Government should consider whether those refugees who did not receive a compensatory plot of land can obtain a rental certificate or what other compensation can be granted to them.
Ms. Koukouma continued that based on the information received by the Commission, 530 lease certificates have been granted so far in Nicosia, 1455 in Limassol, 1030 in Larnaca and 179 in Paphos.
He added that due to workload the Land Registry delayed this process somewhat and expressed the hope that the process of granting certificates will be completed soon.
Ms. Koukouma clarified that the lease certificates can no longer be used for lending purposes and added that the Parliament is waiting for the new refugee housing plan announced by the Government.
Regarding the second issue discussed by the Commission and was the need for an integrated and unified approach of the Union of Municipalities of Cyprus in terms of landscaping, cleaning, development and rapid implementation of the role and responsibilities of municipalities in government refugee settlements and proper use of Ms. Koukouma said that the Government unilaterally decided to transfer the responsibility for cleaning and maintenance of open spaces in the settlements to the local authorities, without granting them the corresponding budget.
Explaining that in the past the Government gave the responsibility with a similar budget, he said that after this development the settlements in their vast majority, present a picture of ghettoization, abandonment, and desolation.
The majority of the residents are elderly and live in these conditions, he continued, calling on the state to complete all the necessary infrastructure projects in the settlements and then to transfer the responsibility to the municipalities.
Source: KYPE