Nicosia, Cyprus. Major construction projects at the University of Cyprus faced prolonged delays and significant cost overruns, according to a special report released by the audit office on Tuesday.
Scope of the audit report
The report examines the three largest projects on the university campus: the engineering school, the biological sciences building and the medical school.
Delays, time extensions and cost increases
The report found unjustified delays ranging from 11 per cent to 35 per cent of the original contractual duration, while approved time extensions reached as high as 145 per cent. Cost increases ranged between 5 per cent and 25 per cent.
Planning and supervision shortcomings
According to the audit office, the findings expose shortcomings in planning and contract supervision, stressing that such practices undermine adherence to schedules and the safeguarding of the public interest.
Engineering school cited as most severe case
The report said the most severe case concerns the engineering school. The project began in January 2016 with a contractual duration of 40 months but was completed in June 2025, after 112 months.
The total delay reached six years, with 14 months classified as unjustified, resulting in contractual penalties of €1.63 million. The project’s cost rose from an initial €55.1 million to an estimated €68.7 million, an increase of around €13.6 million.
Contract and handover issues
The report highlights approvals of partial handovers not foreseen in the contract, including retroactive approvals, outside the agreed schedules.
What steps should be taken to prevent delays and cost overruns in publicly funded construction projects?
