Were all air conditioning installations in schools ultimately carried out in accordance with a certificate of compliance? This was the question posed to the President of the School Boards, Nikos Megalemos, on the Alpha Kalimera program, following the Audit Office’s report, which highlighted very serious risks.
It should be noted that, based on on-site inspections conducted by the Audit Office at five schools in Nicosia, four of them had serious safety issues. These are, in fact, schools where the Ministry of Education had reported that the air conditioners were operational, which implies that all electrical procedures and inspections had been carried out.
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“Let’s clarify one thing regarding the certificates of compliance. Certificates of compliance existed for the schools because we had conducted the inspections since 2021. These certificates were issued based on inspections that did not include the air conditioning units. These certificates exist in most schools, though I cannot guarantee they exist in all of them, as I do not know for certain. As for the installations of air conditioning units in schools—since we referred to incorrect data, at least regarding Nicosia— we submitted them to the House of Representatives 15 days ago, and they are accurate. They detail exactly what we’ve done with the schools, what stage we’re at, how we’ll ensure successful inspection by the electrical authority… every time we install something new in a school, such as air conditioning units, an inspection and a certificate of compliance are required.”
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Where air conditioners have been installed—in the Nicosia District —which were not under the supervision of the School Inspectorate—corrections are being made as required by the regulations, Mr. Megalemos clarifies.
“In total, air conditioners have been installed in 94 schools in Nicosia. Of the 94 schools, six are privately owned, and we have two more that are currently being installed. That brings the total to 96 schools. Of these schools, we have successfully inspected the electrical systems in 13. We have requested a load upgrade, but the installation has been carried out in accordance with regulations.”
However, there were many violations that electricians at the schools were aware of in order to get the air conditioners running, reveals George Kyriakou, President of the Association of Licensed Electrical Contractors.
“I am aware of my criminal liabilities. I know the regulations better than anyone. And I wouldn’t connect them without a certificate of suitability either. The electrician bears primary responsibility, followed by the others.”
READ ALSO: The report reflects the “initial planning”; the current situation is different: The Ministry of Public Works responds to the Audit Office regarding the air conditioners
Mr. Megalemos notes that following the audit by the Audit Office, the School Superintendency found that at these four specific schools, the air conditioning units appear to have been installed by amateurs rather than by the Superintendencies or qualified electricians.
“Furthermore, we found an open room containing the electrical panels, which should have been locked. Not just anyone should have access to a room with electrical switches. The School Board is not in a position to monitor all schools at the same time all the time. It’s not feasible to have 80 people inside the school to monitor these things. And we strongly urge the European Health and Safety Committee at each school to conduct this inspection.”
READ ALSO: Scathing Report: Serious Risks in Schools Due to the Installation of Air Conditioners; Ministry of Education Exposed
