Mold and dampness… This is the situation in a multipurpose room at an elementary school in Paphos.
The school was built in 2015 and is the newest school in Paphos. However, the conditions there are reminiscent of those in the developing world.
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Speaking on the program, Andria Neophytou, President of the Parents and Guardians Association of Paphos 1st Elementary School, stated that it is “the most neglected school,” adding that there are far too many serious problems with the facilities, with the issue of mold being the most significant, as it has now become a health concern.
The elementary school’s multipurpose room is also used by the preschool located next to the elementary school.
“In other words, children as young as four use this hall.”
These problems didn’t just arise yesterday. As Ms. Neophytou explained, there have been reports about the hall as early as two years after the school was built—that is, since 2017.
She added that water is seeping in through the windows.
“We have repeatedly requested that the skylights be closed and that the classroom be repaired, but to no avail.”
The parents have appealed to both the school board and the Ministry’s technical services.
The latest update they received is that the repairs would cost €30,000 and there is no budget to cover the cost; however, as Ms. Neophytou added, the parents had found a civil engineer who conducted the assessment, as requested by the School Board.
“Last year, we hired a civil engineer. He conducted the survey for us. He calculated how much it would cost to repair it. We sent the figures to the School Board. We sent it to the technical services. And the last thing they told us about a week ago was that it would cost too much and they can’t repair it for us.”
In the past, two civil engineers from the School Board had visited the school, and in response to a related question, Ms. Neophytou stated that no one from the Ministry of Education has come, despite the occasional school visits that take place.
