**Audit Office Warns Over Permanent Prefab Classrooms in Cyprus Public Schools**
The Audit Office of Cyprus has raised significant concerns regarding the increasing reliance on prefabricated classrooms in public schools, as outlined in a special report released on Monday. The report indicates that these temporary structures have evolved into permanent or semi-permanent solutions to address overcrowding issues, highlighting critical deficiencies in the planning, oversight, and management of school infrastructure.
Auditor-general Andreas Papaconstantinou emphasized that while the Audit Office does not oppose the use of prefabricated classrooms in principle, their prolonged use as a substitute for adequate school facilities is problematic. "The problem is that solutions introduced as temporary have, in some cases, become permanent, and that is not acceptable," he stated.
The report identifies a lack of long-term strategic planning for school infrastructure as a primary factor contributing to the widespread use of these temporary classrooms. It notes that delays in constructing new schools and expanding existing ones, coupled with demographic shifts and social changes, have intensified the need for immediate accommodation solutions.
Currently, approximately 440 prefabricated classrooms are in operation within primary and pre-primary education, alongside 69 in secondary education, which includes 48 in general secondary schools and 21 in technical and vocational institutions. For the upcoming 2025-26 school year, authorities have approved the installation of an additional 36 prefabricated classrooms and 10 smaller units designated for special education.
The report further highlights systemic issues within the education ministry, including the absence of an updated central register for prefabricated classrooms and a lack of mechanisms to correlate pupil enrollment data with school capacity. This deficiency hampers the ministry's ability to effectively identify overcrowding and plan for necessary infrastructure developments.
Papaconstantinou warned that the indefinite extension of temporary solutions could compromise the quality of the educational environment, exacerbate inequalities, and elevate safety risks, ultimately leading to increased long-term costs. The report serves as the first part of a broader audit focusing on school safety, with a subsequent report on electrical installations expected to be published on July 15.
Concerns regarding safety and functionality were also raised in the report. Although technical services conduct inspections prior to the installation of prefabricated classrooms, the Audit Office found a lack of a documented, standardized assessment process that employs uniform health and safety criteria. Instances were noted where prefabricated classrooms were not connected to main school buildings via covered walkways, a requirement outlined in the ministry's design standards. Additionally, the report pointed out inadequate playground layouts and limited functional outdoor spaces associated with these classrooms.
Another significant finding is that prefabricated classrooms are often installed without undergoing the full planning approval process, which is typically required for new schools and major extensions. This lack of oversight contrasts sharply with the stricter legal framework governing private schools, where planning permission and compliance with safety standards are mandatory before the installation of prefabricated structures.
In light of these findings, the Audit Office has urged the education ministry to enhance the regulatory and supervisory framework that governs public school infrastructure. Recommendations include the establishment of a central register of prefabricated classrooms, the integration of pupil enrollment data with school capacity, the formulation of a long-term strategy to transition from temporary to permanent facilities, and the implementation of standardized procedures for assessing safety and planning suitability prior to the installation of new units.
As the education sector in Cyprus grapples with increasing enrollment numbers, particularly among children from migrant backgrounds and the expansion of compulsory pre-primary education, the need for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to school infrastructure has never been more pressing. The Audit Office's report underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for all students.