There are more than 500 prefabricated classrooms in Cyprus’s schools, according to a special report by the Audit Office.

The audit reveals that the use of prefabricated classrooms—which was initially introduced as a temporary and flexible measure to address emergency housing needs— has in many cases become established as a semi-permanent or even permanent practice.

“We found schools where these classrooms have remained in place for many years, effectively replacing permanent school infrastructure.”

As a result, among other things, this creates risks to the safety and health of students and staff.

According to the Audit Office, the situation that has arisen is directly linked to the absence of comprehensive and long-term planning for school infrastructure, delays in the implementation of school construction and expansion projects, as well as the increased pressures resulting from demographic and social developments.

At the same time, the audit revealed weaknesses in the maintenance of centralized and up-to-date data, the implementation of urban planning control procedures, and the systematic assessment of safety and functionality issues.

Of particular importance, as noted in the Report, is the fact that temporary solutions, when prolonged without a clear timeline for replacement, may negatively affect the quality of the learning environment, create inequalities, and lead to
additional risks and financial burdens in the future.
Clarification

While clarifying that the use of prefabricated classrooms is not, in and of itself, a problematic solution.

“On the contrary, their use on a limited scale can provide the Ministry with the necessary flexibility to effectively address temporary needs. The problem we are highlighting lies in the fact that solutions adopted as temporary—with all that this entails in terms of safety and quality— ultimately end up, in some cases, becoming permanent solutions—which is unacceptable.”

This report is the first of two parts of the Audit Office’s review concerning the safety of the school environment, while the second part, which focuses primarily on electrical installations, will be published on July 15, 2026.

Read the report here.