Audit finds misuse of prefabricated classrooms in public schools

The Audit Office, led by Auditor General Andreas Papaconstantinou, conducted a review of the use of prefabricated classrooms installed to manage school overcrowding. Originally intended as a temporary solution, many of these units have remained in place for years, effectively becoming permanent fixtures. According to the report, there are over 500 such units in use, with approximately 440 in primary education and 69 in secondary and vocational education. However, the audit revealed that the Ministry of Education lacks an updated central registry, making the exact count difficult to verify. A sample analysis of 27 schools showed that several units had been present for five to seven years, with some lacking any installation documentation. The audit attributes this to a lack of long-term infrastructure planning and delays in building permanent expansions. Furthermore, investigators highlighted concerns regarding planning compliance, safety protocols, and the potential negative impact on the learning environment.