Exactly a year ago, on 21 February, an explosion rocked a residence in Engomi, seriously injuring an 18-year-old Greek student and demolishing large sections of both her accommodation and adjacent studio flats beneath the main house. The blast, caused by a gas leak, was so powerful it affected neighbouring properties.
This incident sparked intense debate about how properties are being haphazardly converted without permits or safety protocols, only to be later occupied by unsuspecting tenants. Similar discussions erupted two years ago when a fire broke out following an explosion at the entrance of a block of flats in Strovolos, where an open space had been converted into living quarters for a domestic worker.
These two incidents were neither the first nor the last, with various accidents causing injuries and damage – until last Saturday, when the toll was devastating: five deaths, an entire family – a young couple and their three babies.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the tragedy. They may discover (if possible) where the fire originated – perhaps from an electrical appliance, a faulty socket, or problematic wiring… Something that might be dismissed as merely a tragic accident. Relatives mention a new electric heater; journalists write about makeshift modifications to an existing building to house the family of five. Likely using cheap materials, without permits or official inspections, in a city where working-class families can no longer afford housing, whether owned or rented. The President of the Electrical Contractors Association speaks of legislation dating back to 1941 and defective products being imported without controls. The Municipality has undertaken funeral expenses and promises to address housing issues.
How long will we concern ourselves with the death of these five people, its causes and effects? In a few days, we’ll have forgotten all the concerns and issues being raised now. We’ll continue operating under decades-old laws, authorities will turn a blind eye, balconies will collapse, properties will burn, and the gulf between spectacular neighbourhoods and deprived areas, between rich and poor, will deepen.
This is the development model we wanted, this is what we built. There will be collateral damage, for which we’ll express our sorrow and shock, attributing incidents to bad luck, perhaps even fate.