AKEL meetings with the authorities of the Technical University (TEPAK) and University of Cyprus

 

13 May 2023, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

Delegations of AKEL, EDON Youth Organisation and the Progressive Movement of Students ‘Proodeftiki’ held meetings today with the authorities of the two public universities, as part of AKEL’s  “Housing for All” campaign on housing policy.

The issues with regards the huge problem students face of securing housing, the skyrocketing rents and the subsequent strongly negative impact on students were all discussed. Problems which, apart from the enormous dimensions they have assumed in Limassol, also affect Nicosia too.

We acknowledge the efforts made by both TEPAK and the University of Cyprus to address the problem. We also note our absolute agreement that priority should be given to ensuring affordable accommodation for students, in order to address the phenomenon of students not choosing to study at a university because no solution was found regarding their accommodation.

AKEL submitted a number of proposals, which are included in the Party’s campaign’s recommendations, both for the short-term mitigation of the problem and long-term solutions. An increase in the budget allocated for the State Student Care scheme, the creation of a rent subsidy scheme, the creation of social invoices by Municipalities for students are needed.

At the same time, the need to speed up both the procedures for the start of the project for the construction of dormitories in the area ”Berengaria”, in relation to the students of TEPAK, and the procedure for the implementation of the second phase of the University of Cyprus’ halls of residence was stressed.