New service to help warring neighbours solve their problems

Nicosia municipality has launched a service to help residents solve disputes with their neighbours such as problems with noise or border demarcations.

Launched under the slogan ‘I solve my differences in a civilized way! Gain time and save money!’, the service also aims to solve problems in the commercial sector stemming from a delay in delivery or non-payment for goods.

“Today all the residents of Nicosia have the opportunity to receive free information via the municipality’s website and every first Wednesday of the month a mediator will be available at the Multipurpose centre who will explain the mediation process in detail,” Nicosia Mayor Constantinos Yiorkadjis explained.

“In addition, the services will be free for vulnerable residents, based on specific criteria, while the remaining residents will have access to low-cost mediation services,” he added.

After receiving free information on how it works, those who don’t belong to the vulnerable group have to pay €80 per hour plus VAT for the services, an amount which the two parties are asked to share.

To implement the service, the municipality cooperates with registered professional mediators. It is a simple process without trials, without delay, without huge costs and without uncertain results, the municipality said.

“It is striking that in the countries where it is applied, cases that go to mediation have success rates above 85 per cent,” Yiorkadjis said at the launch of the pilot scheme.

On November 22 the public has the opportunity to attend the first free lecture at the multipurpose centre at the old Pallouriotissa market, 7 Ayios Andreas street and thereafter lectures will take place every first Wednesday of the month. Tel: 22 797870 or 22 797850, [email protected] or visit www.nicosia.org.cy.

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