The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth (MESY), according to the coordinated procedures, the study of the data and the planning of the Directorates of Education and its competent services, proceeds to the construction of new school buildings, as well as maintenance, repair and improvement of existing facilities, where necessary, says, in a written statement regarding schools in Larnaca, the political head of the Ministry, Prodromos Prodromou.
Such, he notes, is the case of the Drosia High School in Larnaca.
"The intervention and attempt to interfere by the Mayor of Larnaca in the planned plans of the Ministry's Technical Services and his insistence on commenting negatively or even if it was possible to cancel the works at the Drosia High School is surprising. Similar projects are being carried out in schools all over Cyprus without the local authorities trying to obstruct them and taking on a role that is not theirs," he adds.
He notes that "indicative of the confusion that seems to be deliberately created is the reports of Mayor Mr. Byras to discussions held in the House Education Committee."
"But Mr. Byras knows that it is not the House that decides and plans building and development, but the executive branch. Why is he referring to debates in the House? As Mayor, he has known for a long time that there is a long-term plan to build a high school, but this is not foreseen in the Medium Term Financial Framework 2022-24. Therefore, the long-term planning for any new high school refers to the period after 2024."
He also knows, Prodromou continues, that by the end of this year the Ministry of Public Works will have completed a study to decide whether there is a need for a new high school and what the design might be.
"How is it possible at the beginning of the fiscal framework in effect until the end of 2024, month of June 2022, to complain about something he knew about from previous years? When he is complaining about the condition of the old Transnational buildings - which he knows the Ministry will soon demolish - can he tell us what the fate and condition of these buildings and the impact on the area would have been if the Ministry of Public Works had not taken care to acquire them and then rehabilitate the site?" he added.
In addition, the Education Minister asks whether "would the Mayor be prepared to take any responsibility for any consequences if, as he suggests, the necessary maintenance and repair works are not carried out at the Drosia High School?"
"The Ministry of Education has a very good cooperation with local authorities in different areas, all over Cyprus, with very good results for education and local communities."
"It is up to the Mayor of Larnaca to choose whether to cooperate for better results or whether he prefers to operate on the basis of a political/party agenda, as his latest reactions show," he concludes.
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