Limassol municipality on Monday announced longer-term housing reforms in response to a house fire that killed a family of five.
Two young parents and their children, aged 2, 3 and 7 died on Saturday in an apartment fire in the Saint Nicholas area.
“The entire city mourns the loss of this family,” the municipality said in a statement, announcing it would cover all funeral expenses.
The announcement noted that municipal social services have secured temporary accommodation for residents from the building’s first floor, while providing psychological support to the victims’ relatives.
The tragedy has highlighted the housing crisis in Limassol, prompting the municipality to pledge reforms addressing affordable housing and building safety standards, as rents in Cyprus’s second-largest city have skyrocketed to more than €1,000 for one-bedroom apartments, while salaries are still lagging behind.
“This tragic incident brings to light issues related to living conditions, building safety, and the broader housing crisis facing Limassol,” the municipality said. “The discussion on housing policy cannot wait any longer, as it’s a matter of dignity, safety, quality of life, and social justice.”
The municipality is coordinating with state social services to support the victims’ families, while the mayor and council members have visited relatives to express the community’s support.
The fire broke out early Saturday morning in the Saint Nicholas neighbourhood, with investigators focusing on the kitchen area as the possible source of the blaze.
According to Eurostat data released in October 2024, Cyprus topped the list of EU countries with adults facing housing challenges. (in-cyprus.philenews.)
