Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ Audit Office has raised concerns over the widespread and increasingly long-term use of prefabricated classrooms in public schools, citing shortcomings in infrastructure planning, oversight and management.
Temporary measures becoming permanent
Auditor-general Andreas Papaconstantinou said the Audit Office does not oppose prefabricated classrooms in principle, noting that they can offer a flexible response to temporary accommodation needs.
However, he said solutions initially introduced as temporary had in some cases become permanent. “The problem is that solutions introduced as temporary have, in some cases, become permanent, and that is not acceptable,” he said.
Planning and oversight gaps
The special report said the growing reliance on prefabricated classrooms reflects the absence of a long-term strategy for school infrastructure, delays in constructing and expanding schools, and increased pressure from demographic and social changes.
It also identified weaknesses in record-keeping, planning procedures and the systematic assessment of classroom safety and functionality.
Papaconstantinou said that extending temporary solutions without a clear replacement timetable could affect the quality of the learning environment, create inequalities and increase safety risks and long-term costs.
Classroom numbers and further audit
The report estimated that about 440 prefabricated classrooms are in use in primary and pre-primary education. A further 69 are operating in secondary education, including 48 in general secondary schools and 21 in technical and vocational schools.
For the 2025-26 school year, authorities approved the installation of 36 additional prefabricated classrooms and 10 smaller units for special education.
The Audit Office said the education ministry does not maintain an up-to-date central register of prefabricated classrooms and has no mechanism linking pupil enrolment data with school capacity, limiting its ability to identify overcrowding and plan infrastructure.
The report is the first part of a wider audit into school safety. A second report, primarily examining electrical installations, is scheduled for publication on July 15.