The Ministry of Education has been conducting on-site inspections since Monday following a report by the Audit Office regarding air conditioners operating in schools without a certificate of compliance.
Speaking on the Alpha Kalimera program, Deputy Director of Secondary General Education George Koutsidis noted that this is a very difficult task.
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“We’re talking about 731 different buildings; in some, units have been installed; in others, the electrical system needs to be upgraded; and in still others, final inspections are pending.”
When asked if he was aware that air conditioners were operating without a certificate of compliance, he emphasized that the instructions were clear: When final approval has not been granted, the air conditioners must not be operated.
“Under no circumstances will speed take precedence over the safety of students and teachers.”
When asked to comment on the fact that it was presented at the press conference that the units are operating successfully in schools that lack a certificate of suitability, and when asked whether they are in contact with the school superintendents, he stated that if even one new unit is installed, a new inspection must be conducted, arguing that this does not mean inspections were not carried out on the previous ones.
“Under no circumstances have we granted permission for any air conditioning unit to operate in any of the 731 schools without a final inspection.”
When asked who bears responsibility, he replied that he would not place the blame on anyone, as four to five different entities are involved in the process: tax offices, schools, the ministry, the Cyprus Electricity Authority, and electricians.
“Starting Monday, we’ll send 40 colleagues to conduct inspections, one by one at all 731 schools, to determine exactly what the problem is. However, this does not mean that when the circuit breaker trips, it is 100% due to the air conditioners. Inspections have been conducted, and the Cyprus Electricity Authority is scheduled to inspect 191 schools.”
In his remarks, Nikos Megalemos, President of the School Boards, clarified that 13 schools have a certificate of compliance—these are the schools taken over by the school boards— while other schools—where the installations were funded by donations—also hold certificates, bringing the total number of schools with certificates to 19.
“I want to emphasize that in all the reports we have submitted to the Ministry of Education, in every single case, we have noted which schools are operating on a partial basis. In all the reports we send to the Ministry of Education, as well as in the report we have submitted to the Parliament’s Education Committee, we specify which schools are operating on a partial basis. “We are waiting; we have the studies and everything else that is needed.”
He points out that the data provided by the School Inspectorate is clear and accurate in all cases.
When asked to clarify whether the Ministry of Education is aware of which schools have a certificate of suitability and how many air conditioners are in working order, he replied that the difficulties they face were explained at all the meetings they held.
“Based on all the data, we have provided everything in detail, and in fact, we as school districts have repeatedly stated that we are unable to complete the project by 2026; it is difficult to complete it.”
When asked if they are under pressure, he replies that this has been the case from day one—that it must be completed.
“It’s one thing to want to, and another to be able to. Fortunately, at this moment, officials have responsibly stated that we will finish in 2028.”
He assures that as of today, Friday, the disconnection has begun, and he is in consultation with the EAC and will have everyone’s support so that they can complete this project properly and responsibly.
The issue was commented on by Chrysanthos Savvides, Chair of the Education Committee and Member of Parliament for DIKO, and Anastasia Hasikou, a member of the Committee and Member of Parliament for AKEL.
