Air conditioners will be installed in Cyprus schools despite problems that have arisen during the project, Education, Sport and Youth Minister Athena Michaelidou reaffirmed at a press conference ahead of the new school year.
Michaelidou also released the latest data on the installation and operation of air conditioning units in schools at all levels, saying the picture differs by province depending on how many school units each one has.
Among primary schools, Famagusta has the highest share with full operation, at 65 per cent, with the remaining 35 per cent at the final stage. Limassol follows at 46 per cent full operation, 29 per cent at the final stage and 25 per cent still planned.
In Larnaca, 39 per cent of primary schools have full operation, 10 per cent are at the final stage and 51 per cent are planned. Nicosia stands at 24 per cent full operation, 46 per cent at the final stage and 30 per cent planned, while Paphos is lowest, with 16 per cent full operation, 22 per cent at the final stage and 62 per cent planned.
At gymnasium level, Larnaca leads with 45 per cent full operation and 55 per cent at the final stage. Famagusta and Paphos follow, at 50 per cent and 37.5 per cent full operation respectively, with the remainder at the final stage in each case. Limassol stands at 39 per cent full operation and 61 per cent at the final stage, while Nicosia has the lowest share in full operation, at 18 per cent, with 64 per cent at the final stage and 18 per cent still planned.
Lyceums show the most advanced progress overall. All lyceums in Larnaca already have air conditioning in full operation. Limassol follows at 90 per cent full operation and 10 per cent at the final stage. In Nicosia, 21 per cent of lyceums have full operation and 79 per cent are at the final stage. Famagusta stands at 33 per cent full operation and 67 per cent at the final stage, while Paphos is split evenly, with 33 per cent each at full operation, the final stage and planned installation.
Michaelidou: Emphasis on safety
Michaelidou said the aim is not simply to install air conditioners, but to install them correctly, which can only be guaranteed if the necessary safety conditions are in place.
Serious problems were found in some schools, she said, relating not only to the safety of the installations themselves but also to the electrical network. In some schools, a substation is needed to support the network before air conditioners can be installed.
As part of the inspections and specifications required for schools to hold valid fire safety and electrical installation certificates, the Ministry of Education and the School Boards are cooperating with other relevant services, including the Fire Service.
