**Famagusta Leads School Air Conditioning Rollout as Delays Persist**
Famagusta district is currently at the forefront of a nationwide initiative to install air conditioning in schools, with an impressive 65 percent of its primary schools now fully equipped. This progress starkly contrasts with the situation in Paphos and Nicosia, where the rollout has been significantly slower, according to figures released by the Ministry of Education on Friday.
The data reveals a concerning disparity in the implementation of air conditioning across Cyprus's educational institutions, particularly among primary schools. In Paphos, only 16 percent of primary schools have operational air conditioning units, while a substantial 62 percent still await installation. Nicosia is slightly better off, with 24 percent of primary schools fully equipped, but 30 percent remain in the planning stages.
Other districts have also made varying levels of progress. Limassol has managed to equip 46 percent of its primary schools, while Larnaca follows closely with 39 percent. The gap in air conditioning availability is less pronounced among older students, as most middle and high schools are either fully equipped or nearing completion of installation. Notably, all high schools in Larnaca have operational air conditioning, and 90 percent of those in Limassol are also equipped.
Education Minister Athena Michaelidou addressed the ongoing rollout, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring that every school is outfitted with air conditioning. However, she emphasized the importance of completing the installations safely and effectively. One of the primary challenges hindering progress in certain schools is their outdated electrical infrastructure. Many older systems struggle to handle the additional power demands of air conditioning units, necessitating electrical upgrades before the units can be utilized.
In some instances, schools may require the installation of substations to provide sufficient electricity to support the new equipment. Minister Michaelidou noted that the education ministry is collaborating with school boards and the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) to conduct inspections of schools. This partnership aims to ensure that electrical installations meet safety standards and fire safety requirements.
Concerns about electrical safety have been raised by electricians, who have pointed out that some schools have inadequate wiring and overloaded electrical systems. They caution that activating air conditioning units before necessary upgrades are completed could lead to tripped electrical switches or power failures.
Despite these technical challenges, the government has assured the public that these issues are being addressed as part of the ongoing rollout program. Officials remain optimistic that all schools will eventually be equipped with air conditioning, responding to years of complaints regarding high temperatures in classrooms during the summer months.
Earlier this year, the education ministry had set ambitious goals, stating that preschools, high schools, and nearly all middle schools were expected to have air conditioning installed by the beginning of the new school year. However, primary schools have been identified as requiring the most work to achieve full implementation.
Minister Michaelidou reiterated that the priority is to ensure that air conditioning systems are installed correctly and can operate safely, rather than hastily installing units that may not be supported by the schools' electrical networks. The focus on safety and proper installation reflects a commitment to providing a conducive learning environment for students, particularly during the sweltering summer months.
As the rollout continues, the Ministry of Education remains under pressure to expedite the process and address the disparities in air conditioning availability among different districts. With Famagusta leading the way, stakeholders are hopeful that the remaining districts will soon catch up, ensuring that all students across Cyprus can benefit from a comfortable and safe educational environment.