Limassol municipality said on Wednesday that it was examining all issues raised in the Audit Office’s report, while stressing that most findings relate to the period before the current municipal authority took office.

In a statement issued following the publication of the report, the municipality said it respected the work of the office and viewed its recommendations as “a tool for improving its operation and for further strengthening transparency, accountability and good administration”.

The municipality however stressed the majority of findings concern the period between 2017 and 2024, adding that “all issues will be examined thoroughly so that the necessary corrective measures can be taken and compliance with the recommendations of the Audit Office can be ensured”.

Regarding the placement of workers in permanent and pensionable positions, the municipality said these posts had been approved by the competent ministry.

It added that there had been full compliance regarding the renaming of positions and the granting of personal scales.

On service contracts, the municipality said the practice identified by the Auditor General Andreas Papaconstantinou had been discontinued, while regarding personal benefits for staff it stated that these were “guaranteed through the collective agreements which the municipality must implement”.

The municipality also referred to overtime work, saying it recognised the need for action and that measures outlined in its previous correspondence with the Audit Office were being initiated.

It added that clarifications had already been provided for most observations and that its responses were included in the report.

“We remain at the disposal of the Audit Office and will utilise its suggestions to improve the operation of the municipality,” the statement concluded.