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- Русский
From the very first moment we announced the "BuildingZO" Sponsorship Scheme for the repair or reconstruction of apartment buildings in government settlements housing displaced persons, we had foreseen that inevitably there would be disruption and inconvenience to the beneficiaries. No one doubts how difficult it is to change residence after many years. But, as we have noted many times, behind every decision and action we take is our concern for the safety of all those of our fellow citizens who live in blocks of flats, which are considered by experts to be unsuitable and dangerous.
Throughout this time we have been trying to overcome obstacles in order to limit as much as possible the suffering of all these people, especially those facing particular problems, whether financial, family or health problems. We face them with respect and appreciation, we acknowledge the suffering they will endure, but above all we prioritise their safety and their accommodation in hygienic and dignified conditions.
I am particularly pleased that despite initial misgivings, day by day more and more eligible refugees are interested in participating in the "GebäZΩ" Project to get a new and safe, modern apartment. Already many of the affected tenants are in the process of finding accommodation to move in temporarily until the new blocks of flats are built, while some have already expressed their interest to participate and have handed over the keys of their flat. Specifically, of the 183 apartments in the 20 blocks of flats covered by the first phase of the Plan, 15 applications for participation in the Plan have been submitted in the last few days, with 7 of them having already vacated their apartments and handed over the keys to the Planning Department. Correspondingly, the beneficiaries have also started to receive the rent allowance. We expect that after the completion of the information to the beneficiaries by Ministry officials and the validation of the recommendation by the municipalities concerned, interest will increase and very soon we will be able to proceed with the reconstruction works of the first blocks of flats.
In keeping with its commitment to stand by the beneficiaries throughout the process, the Planning and Housing Department has developed a specific plan to support tenants who need assistance in moving, transferring and In this context, storage space has been provided for people who wish to move their personal belongings or other household equipment to it, until the completion of the new blocks of flats, while transport services have been provided by specific companies. Since last week the Planning and Zoning Department has set up a special call centre and those who need help with transportation and storage can call 22409541 to express their interest. I would like to clarify that the costs for transportation and storage will be covered entirely by the Ministry of Interior, without any charge to the beneficiaries.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Our joy is all the greater for the fact that the "BuildingZO" Project is increasingly embraced by society itself, which once again shows its inexhaustible reserves of solidarity. From the first day we announced the Project, we have been receiving interest from organizations, NGOs and institutions that want to support the Government's effort, showing in practice their social face.
We are very pleased to invite you today to announce the establishment of the social support network of the "BuildingZO" Project, which aims to cover some additional needs for those beneficiaries who have proven to be in need of financial or other support, during their temporary residence in other places, until they can settle in the new apartments.
We have with us representatives of the organizations that have volunteered to help: the non-profit organization TechIsland, which will offer a sum of 400 thousand euros, the Holy Archdiocese of Cyprus, which will offer a sum of 100 thousand euros, as well as the SupportCy Network, which will put its volunteers at the disposal of refugees in need of assistance, while its member companies will assist in kind. Other organisations and companies have already committed to contribute and a formal decision and announcement from their side is expected.
Also of particular importance is the assistance we have received from the Bank of Cyprus and the Roof Financing Organisation, which will contribute to offer funding to beneficiaries wishing to participate in the "BuildingZo" Project.
Details of the type of assistance that will be offered per company and organisation will be provided in the near future.
Details of the type of assistance that will be offered per company and organisation will be provided in the near future. For the Ministry of Interior, it is very important that the list of donors, as well as the type of assistance they offer, is constantly enriched, achieving the common goal of all of us, which is none other than the successful implementation of the Plan, for the benefit of our fellow citizens.
The money offered by the above organizations, as well as the additional financial support that will be given in the future by other companies and individuals, will be deposited in a special account and will essentially act as a supplementary assistance in addition to the assistance provided by the Plan. The money will be used with strict adherence to sound management in a transparent and simple manner, on the basis of socio-economic vulnerability criteria established in face-to-face meetings and discussions with the beneficiaries, and monitoring to be carried out through the databases of other competent state agencies.
The creation of the social support network of the "BuildingZO" Project fills us with optimism and pride.
The creation of the social support network of the "BuildingZO" Project fills us with optimism and pride. It gives us strength to face the obstacles ahead and allows us to look to the next day with optimism. I believe that the example of the companies we have here today can be followed by other institutions and that is why I appeal to companies, institutions, individuals and organisations to support the effort and to further strengthen this social network, which sends many promising messages for a society of solidarity and a better country. I would like once again to thank the Parliament, especially the Committees on Refugees and Interior, the political parties, the Union of Municipalities and Communities, the Mayors, the Municipal and Community Councils of the affected refugee settlements, the Pancyprian Refugee Association, the ETAK and of course the management and the staff of the Department of Planning and Zoning for the very good work they are doing.
Before I open the floor for questions, let me invite the representatives of the organizations that are with us to say a few words about the initiative they have taken.
Thank you very much.
(MKυ)
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