**Nicosia School Board Addresses Air Conditioning Safety Concerns**
The president of the Nicosia school board, Nikos Megalemos, responded on Wednesday to recent findings from the Audit Office regarding safety issues with air conditioning units in local schools. Megalemos characterized the concerns raised by the Audit Office as “somewhat exaggerated,” suggesting that the issues highlighted were already under discussion within the board and would be taken into account for future projects.
The Audit Office's report, released on Tuesday, detailed serious safety concerns following inspections at five schools. Among the findings were instances of incomplete work at four sites, makeshift electrical connections, and the use of alternating air conditioning units to prevent overloads. Additionally, the report pointed out that an electrical panel was missing its safety mechanism, raising alarms about the potential risks involved.
Megalemos acknowledged the importance of inspections and expressed that the claims regarding safety were overstated, which he believes has led to unnecessary public concern. He confirmed that temporary connections made to support the Pancyprian Examinations would be disconnected, emphasizing that these were not intended as permanent installations. Instead, he noted that such connections were made based on the specific needs of the examinations and the electrical capacity of each school.
The ongoing project to install air conditioning units in Nicosia schools has seen significant progress, with 96 schools having units installed. However, by July, only 18 out of 89 cases included in the project had been completed, reflecting a completion rate of approximately 20%. Megalemos cautioned that this percentage does not accurately represent the scale of the district, which encompasses a total of 272 schools. He indicated that meeting the original deadline for project completion by the end of 2026 would be “extremely difficult,” leading to expectations that the timeline may extend to 2028.
The school board's response to the Audit Office's findings aims to reassure the public while acknowledging the challenges faced in the implementation of the air conditioning project. As discussions continue, the board remains committed to addressing safety concerns and ensuring that future installations meet the necessary standards.