The average cost of restoring buildings that were completely destroyed by the fire in July in the mountainous area of Limassol is €115,000, based on damage estimates by the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK), while the total estimated cost of restoring all the cases examined is €40 million, of which approximately 90% relates to the cost of restoring buildings and structures that were completely destroyed.
ETEK has announced on that on 18 September, it completed the work it undertook to estimate the cost of the damage to buildings and other constructions affected by the fire on 23 July in the mountainous area of Limassol and that it prepared and delivered an estimate for 650 cases.
As stated, ETEK received a total of approximately 760 requests from the Ministry of Interior concerning damage to buildings and constructions. Approximately 100 cases were deemed to be outside the terms of the mandate, as they concerned motor vehicles, equipment, or other items, while it is noted that unlicensed structures or those with insurance coverage were not examined by ETEK.
As noted, the final decisions will be made by the Ministry of the Interior, while beneficiaries, as already announced by the Ministry, have the right to appeal to the Ministry.
In relation to the work delivered by ETEK, it is noted that an assessment was prepared and delivered for 650 cases, including a small number of cases, around 40, for which some clarifications are expected.
Specifically, of the total 650 cases, half involved total destruction and the rest involved partial destruction. Approximately 220 cases were deemed to have minor damage, with an average restoration cost of €3,700, while approximately 100 cases were classified as partial damage (moderate or significant) with an average restoration cost of €30,000.
According to ETEK, the cost of restoring buildings that suffered total destruction varied greatly, reflecting the range of buildings under consideration (size, type, and technology/quality of construction). The average cost of restoring buildings that were completely destroyed was €115,000, while the total estimated cost of restoration for all cases was €40 million, of which approximately 90% related to the cost of restoring buildings and structures that were completely destroyed.
ETEK President, Constantinos Constanti, has said that the Chamber and the professional engineering organizations have demonstrated their readiness and ability to assist the state and society at critical moments, ensuring, through rapid procedures, reliable and scientifically established estimates for the restoration of damage, the press release noted, adding that the Chamber expresses its gratitude to all those who contributed to this effort.
(Source: CNA)
