With the licensing of developments being a critical factor in strengthening the activity of the construction sector and addressing the housing problem, the Cyprus Federation of Building Contractors Associations (OSEOK) held a working lunch with the Presidents of the District Self-Government Organizations (EOA) on Thursday, November 13.
The Presidents of the EOAs of Nicosia Mr. Konstantinos Giorkatzis, Mr. Yiannis Tsouloftas of Limassol, Mr. Angelos Chatzicharalambous of Larnaca and Mr. Yiannis Karousos of Famagusta participated in the meeting, as well as senior officials of the Organizations. On the part of OSEOK, the meeting was attended by a delegation of the Central Council, led by its President, Mr. Stelios Gavriel.
The meeting took place in a particularly constructive atmosphere, with the aim of exchanging views and promoting practical solutions to the issues related to the licensing process and the challenges facing the construction sector today.
The President of OSEOK, Mr. Stelios Gavriel, expressed the Federation's appreciation for the work carried out in the District Self-Government Organizations and referred to the delays observed in the licensing of developments, underlining the will of OSEOK to contribute substantially to the effort to speed up the procedures.
From the point of view of the EOAs, it was clearly emphasized that the acceleration of licensing and the strengthening of investment activity are the core of their mission. As mentioned, this goal will be achieved through their further autonomy, the completion of staffing and the strengthening of their income. At the same time, the Presidents of the Organizations pointed out that, despite the large volume of pending cases received in July 2024, the rate of processing of applications now exceeds the number of new ones received, which is a clear sign of progress.
Closing the meeting, Mr. Gavriel emphasized that the dialogue and cooperation between OSEOK and EOA is of crucial importance for the formation of a modern, functional and efficient licensing system, which will support development, strengthen competitiveness and contribute to addressing the housing problem in our country.
