Cyprus Education Ministry Calls Safety a Priority in Air Conditioner Installation — Cyprus Mail

Cyprus’ Ministry of Education has stated that it will not compromise on technical and safety requirements during the installation of air conditioners in public schools. The ministry responded to a report by the Audit Office, stressing that it would not lower safety standards to speed up the project or create an impression.

As Cyprus Mail reports, the ministry welcomed the audit and said it would use the report for ongoing assessment and improvement of the programme’s implementation. At the same time, the ministry noted that a significant part of the document concerns the initial planning in 2023–2024, including three stages of equipment installation.

Programme coverage

The ministry said that in 2024 the programme was changed and extended to all public schools in Cyprus, except institutions in mountainous areas, where conditions and needs differ. Therefore, references and schedules based on the original three-stage plan do not reflect the current scale and actual progress of the work, according to the ministry.

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According to the ministry’s latest available data, air conditioners are fully operational in nearly 90% of lyceums and nearly 75% of gymnasiums. Work is continuing at other education levels and in schools across the country.

Technical work and funding

The ministry reported that some school buildings require upgrades to electrical systems, network reinforcement and other technical interventions due to problems that have accumulated over the years. Such work is necessary for the safe, reliable and continuous operation of air-conditioning systems.

Coordinators were appointed to address technical issues, while meetings are held regularly and communication is maintained with five urban school boards. The ministry also said it had followed Treasury recommendations on the budget, allocated the necessary funds, and that payments to school boards are made in line with the progress of the work. According to the ministry, the technical specifications also contain provisions for system maintenance.