The Rainha Santa Isabel Basic School and Kindergarten in Campo de Ourique will reopen on Tuesday, as confirmed by the school coordinator. The decision follows the closure of the school on Friday. “Although we are somewhat cautious due to the rapid developments, we want to understand the nature of the interventions carried out and the assurances of their effectiveness,” stated Mafalda Ambrósio of the Parent and Guardians Association.
The school, composed of temporary structures since 2021, was closed after persistent rains set off fire alarms, which could only be silenced by shutting off the electrical panel, prompting parents to collect their children. Firefighters advised that the school should remain closed until safety conditions were met. The parents expressed that despite repeated warnings, both the Lisbon City Council and the Campo de Ourique Parish Council have “entirely neglected their responsibilities” concerning the maintenance of the temporary facilities, particularly in managing rainwater drainage.
“We are unaware of the extent of the intervention, whether it was cosmetic or profound, and our concern lies with its longevity,” Ambrósio emphasized, noting they await information on the meeting outcome between the city council and parish representatives at the school.
The approximately 160 students were supposed to begin this school year at the original building on Travessa de Santa Quitéria, where extensive renovations began five years ago due to severe deterioration. “Our current focus is on the new school; we are reaching the limit with these temporary structures. There’s a significant lack of communication regarding the renovation project. We would like the coordinator and the head of Enrichment Activities to visit the space, as they are its primary users,” Ambrósio added.
The transition to temporary accommodations occurred “around Easter 2021 after a piece of a balcony fell off the building,” with the extensive rehabilitation already “planned by the SRU,” given that it was “an old school” requiring more than repairs but a comprehensive overhaul.
The school hosts two kindergarten classes and five primary school classes. For now, the parents’ association and the guardians will wait for the requested clarifications from the city council or parish council concerning the work done to ensure the children’s safety, rather than relying on automated replies to their emails.
