A total of 46 individuals and legal entities owe €6,408,636 in unpaid sewerage fees to the Famagusta District Local Government Organisation (EOA), with debts accumulating over many years.
According to Politis information, the majority of large debtors are hoteliers and developers operating in the free Famagusta district. Among those listed as strategic defaulters are well‑known figures in the hospitality sector and members of their families, who despite frequent social‑media posts from luxury holidays abroad have ignored repeated notices from the EOA to settle their outstanding dues.
The President of the Famagusta EOA, Yiannis Karousos, told Politis that following legal opinions obtained by the Organisation, it intends to proceed with the publication of the names of companies included among the 46 major debtors. He clarified, however, that the names of natural persons will not be made public, as they are protected under current personal data legislation.
Karousos revealed that once the new House of Representatives is constituted, he will propose the submission of a bill granting EOAs and municipalities the authority to publish annually, on 1 March, lists of major debtors, including natural persons currently protected by the law. “The same should apply to the state,” he said, adding that since the Republic’s General Accounting Office publishes the names of those receiving payments from the state in the interest of transparency and accountability, a yearly list of those owing money to the public sector could also be published.
He noted that his role as Vice President of DISY is expected, according to assessments, to facilitate the promotion of such legislation in parliament.
Three categories of debtors
The 46 major debtors to the Famagusta EOA are divided into three categories:
- 24 individuals or entities owe between €50,000 and €100,000, with total debts amounting to €1,810,580.
- 13 owe between €100,000 and €200,000, with combined debts of €1,693,769.
- Nine owe between €200,000 and €500,000, with total debts reaching €2,904,287.
An earlier announcement by Karousos that the EOA had sought legal advice on applying a ‘name and shame’ approach has already yielded results. Eleven of the 46 major debtors requested repayment settlements amounting to €2,226,605, to be paid in instalments. For the remaining 35, the EOA has instructed its legal advisers to initiate legal measures.
Names to be published
Asked about the decision to publish the names of major debtors, Karousos said the EOA council has decided to proceed. Legal opinions have already been obtained from both the EOA’s lawyers and the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection regarding how the process can be carried out.
Under the opinions received, the names of natural persons cannot be published, but company names may be disclosed following appropriate processing. Karousos stressed that the most effective approach would be a legislative amendment and said preparations are already under way.
He added that the EOA “will not act as a banker for anyone” and said publication of names would enhance transparency, accountability and protection of the public interest, urging debtors to settle their obligations.
No permits for debtors
Karousos has also recently implemented an additional pressure measure. Any application for a town‑planning or building permit will only be examined if the applicant has no outstanding debts to the EOA.
“No one can apply for new permits without presenting certification that they owe nothing to the Organisation,” he said, assuring that the Famagusta EOA “will not lose this money.”
