**MPs Request Strict Timetable for Installation of Air Conditioners in Schools**
In a joint meeting held on Wednesday, the House education committee, along with various educational organizations, parent associations, and the Pan-Cyprian Student Co-ordinating Committee (Psem), called for a definitive timetable for the installation and operation of air conditioners in all schools across Cyprus. This initiative aims to address the pressing issue of high temperatures affecting both students and teachers in educational settings.
Committee chairman and Diko MP Chrysanthos Savvides acknowledged the government's efforts in initiating this project, which he described as long overdue. “We recognise and applaud the fact that the current government made the political decision and began this effort in an organised manner,” Savvides stated. However, he highlighted that despite the progress made, many school units still suffer from excessive heat, and in some cases, air conditioning units have been installed but remain non-operational.
Panikos Leonidou, deputy chairman of the committee and also a Diko MP, emphasized the significant advancements made in equipping schools with air conditioning. He expressed appreciation for the political will demonstrated by the Christodoulides government to tackle this longstanding issue. Leonidou assured that Diko would maintain oversight on the project’s implementation to ensure that timelines are adhered to, with the ultimate goal of providing all schools with adequate cooling systems for improved learning and working conditions.
While acknowledging the technical challenges associated with older school buildings, Leonidou insisted that these should not lead to further delays in the project’s completion. He called for enhanced coordination and collaboration among the Ministry of Education, School Boards, the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC), and the electromechanical service to expedite the process.
George Koutsidis, the deputy director of secondary general education, provided assurances that the Ministry of Education is actively progressing with the installation of air conditioning units. He indicated that priority would be given to high schools and middle schools, with plans to extend the project to elementary schools and kindergartens subsequently. “We believe that this project will be 100 percent completed this school year,” Koutsidis stated.
Nikos Megalemos, president of the Nicosia school board, discussed the logistical aspects of the installation project. He mentioned that a specific manual governs the installation of air conditioning systems, and while installations began in 2024, he expressed concerns about the feasibility of completing the project by 2026. “We had said it, we had mentioned it, our wish was that we would complete them in 2026. Because it was mentioned that we would complete them in 2027, it is impossible to finish them in 2027, because where substations are needed, the EAC wants at least 18 months,” Megalemos explained.
An EAC representative reported that over the past two years, a total of 219 applications for the inspection of air conditioning installations have been received, with 142 already inspected and 77 still pending. This backlog highlights the complexities involved in ensuring that installations meet regulatory standards.
In terms of funding, a spokesman for the finance ministry confirmed that the necessary financial resources are available for the project. He noted that provisions have been made for €5 million in the current year’s budget, with an additional €10 million earmarked for 2027, contingent upon budget approval.
The collective call for a strict timetable reflects a growing concern among stakeholders regarding the urgency of providing a comfortable learning environment for students and teachers. As discussions continue, the emphasis remains on ensuring that all schools are equipped with functional air conditioning systems to mitigate the adverse effects of high temperatures in the classroom.