The delay in the second phase of constructing student dormitories at the University of Cyprus, combined with high rental prices in the Nicosia district, is pushing Greek Cypriot students attending public and private universities to rent apartments in the occupied areas.

Following the discussions in the Parliamentary Audit Committee regarding the increase in the University of Cyprus's budget request from €35 million for 700 rooms to €91 million for 870 rooms, and the cancellation of the original €35 million study, Brief contacted DIPA MP Alekos Tryfonides. He shared his experience of speaking with Greek Cypriot students who currently live and rent apartments in the occupied territories.

"Last year, I visited and spoke with the students. They pointed out individuals they knew who lived there. We stayed until nightfall, and then they came and spoke to us. They told me they are children of single-parent families from Paphos and Limassol. For example, one student told me their mother has three children, two of whom are students, and she receives €1,100 a month. As a result, they moved to the occupied areas, where they rent apartments for €175," Mr. Tryfonides explained.

The DIPA MP further clarified that the students renting in the occupied areas are enrolled in public and private universities in the free areas of Cyprus.

When asked how many students he knew who rented in the occupied areas, Mr. Tryfonides stated that last year, during his visit, he met around 50 students. They even showed him the apartment buildings. "I requested information from those who travel back and forth. They asked their Turkish Cypriot friends, and they took me there," he added.

He also mentioned that this year, following the Audit Committee session on the student dormitory issue, students contacted him to inform him that they are renting in the occupied areas.

“There has been a criminal delay in constructing dormitories at the University of Cyprus. Over the past 20 years, while the university has been expanding, certain individuals bear significant responsibility, potentially involving conflicts of interest. That’s why I have formally requested the Auditor General to investigate from 2000 to the present, to identify those responsible for the failure to build dormitories. There is an unwritten rule in universities that no matter how many students you have, you must provide dormitories for at least 20% of them,” Mr. Tryfonides stated.

The DIPA MP added, "Some people didn’t proceed with building dormitories because they left room for private investors to build instead. It’s clear. They gave space to private developers," noting that Auditor General Odysseas Michaelides informed him that an investigation has already begun regarding the dormitory delays at the University of Cyprus.

“The President of the Republic, the Minister of Education, and the Minister of Finance bear significant responsibility. They must quickly compel the university to begin construction of dormitories, while, of course, following the proper procedures and legalities,” added the DIPA MP.