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Serious pressure on Larnaca’s school system has renewed calls for immediate government action, with parents warning that delays in infrastructure planning are pushing schools beyond their limits. According to the President of the city’s Federation of Parents and Guardians, Kostas Costa, the construction of new school units can no longer be postponed, while long-standing problems with classroom air conditioning must be resolved by May.
Speaking to CNA, Costa stressed that school overcrowding dominated recent discussions between the Pancyprian Federation of Parents’ Associations and the Minister of Education, Sports and Youth. Larnaca is among the hardest-hit districts, with eight secondary schools, four Gymnasiums and four Lyceums, operating far above capacity. Enrolment levels in these schools reportedly range from 130% to as high as 170%, with no nearby facilities able to accommodate additional students.
Rapid residential growth in several areas of the city has intensified the problem, particularly as many of these neighborhoods are home to young families. Costa noted that the Ministry already has long-term data tracking student numbers from primary school through secondary education, making it possible to forecast future needs. What is missing, he argued, is a binding construction schedule that ensures new schools are delivered on time rather than requested at the last moment.
The situation at Drosia Gymnasium was highlighted as especially critical, with the school struggling to cope with excessive enrolment. Costa also pointed out that the building’s status as Turkish Cypriot property adds further uncertainty. He questioned why a new school has not been built on the large site of the former Dianellios Technical School, which has remained unused since its demolition years ago.
Infrastructure shortcomings extend beyond space constraints. While studies for installing air-conditioning units in schools have been completed, outdated electrical systems continue to delay implementation. In some cases, electrical upgrades began years ago but remain unfinished. These weaknesses recently caused disruptions in two Larnaca schools, where heating systems failed and air-conditioning units could not operate due to insufficient power supply.
Parents insist that all schools in the city must be fully equipped with air conditioning by May, making it clear that no further extensions will be tolerated.
Progress is also being made on the installation of CCTV systems, particularly in schools classified as high priority. However, Costa expressed frustration with administrative delays, warning that excessive bureaucracy slows down responses when problems arise. He proposed that parents’ associations be empowered to address minor day-to-day issues directly, allowing for faster solutions.
Concerns were also raised about rising student delinquency. According to Costa, the Ministry acknowledges the issue, which has become more pressing amid broader worries about organized crime in Larnaca. Parents argue that schools cannot be insulated from wider social challenges and are calling for a long-term strategy focused on prevention.
Large, overcrowded schools were identified as a contributing factor, with Costa noting that managing hundreds of additional students inevitably strains supervision and support systems. He emphasized the need for stronger cooperation between students, parents, and teachers, greater transparency in addressing problems, and targeted interventions by specialists where required.
While a dedicated response team already operates within the Ministry, parents believe schools facing the most serious challenges should be formally classified as high-risk, allowing for stricter measures. Costa added that repeat cases of delinquent behavior must be met with clear and consistent consequences.
He concluded by noting that in schools where CCTV systems have already been installed, incidents of vandalism during nighttime hours have dropped significantly.
