By Vassos Vassiliou
Copyright philenews
Reconstruction costs for buildings damaged in the July wildfire that swept through the Limassol mountains have reached €40 million, according to damage assessments completed by the Cyprus Technical Chamber (ETEK).
The chamber has submitted its damage evaluation to the Interior Ministry, covering 650 assessed cases from the fire that broke out on 23rd July in Limassol.
“Ninety per cent of reconstruction costs relate to buildings that were completely destroyed,” ETEK reported, with totally destroyed structures averaging €115,000 each for restoration.
The assessment revealed that 320 buildings suffered complete destruction, representing half of the 650 cases evaluated by engineering teams. ETEK President Constantinos Constanti confirmed that estimates have been prepared and delivered for all assessed cases, with approximately 40 cases still awaiting clarification or confirmation.
The remaining cases comprised buildings with partial damage, categorised into different severity levels. Around 220 cases involved minor damage with average restoration costs of €3,700, whilst approximately 100 cases fell into the partial damage category with moderate to significant impact, averaging €30,000 for repairs.
“The reconstruction cost for completely destroyed buildings showed significant variation, reflecting the range, type, size and construction technology of the examined structures,” the chamber explained.
ETEK received approximately 760 damage claims from the Interior Ministry, though around 100 cases fell outside the assessment mandate as they concerned motor vehicles, mobile equipment or other items not classified as buildings or structures.
The chamber noted that issues concerning unlicensed constructions or insurance coverage were not examined by ETEK assessment teams. Based on Interior Ministry guidance, property owners retain the option to submit appeals to the ministry regarding the assessments.
The damage evaluation process started on 5th August, just days after the Interior Minister and ETEK President agreed that the chamber would assist in the comprehensive assessment effort. Final estimates were delivered to the Interior Ministry on 18th of this month.
“The chamber and professional engineering organisations demonstrated their readiness and capability to assist the state and society during critical moments, ensuring rapid and reliable damage restoration assessments,” Constanti stated.
Final compensation decisions will be made by the Interior Ministry.
