Lisbon School Reopens After Storm Shutdown, But Parents Question Safety

School Closure Due to Electrical Issues

A school in Lisbon that was closed for safety reasons after heavy rain caused electrical problems is set to reopen on Tuesday, according to a parents' association source. The Escola Básica Rainha Santa Isabel in Campo de Ourique had been shut down since Friday when intense rainfall forced the shutdown of the building's electrical panel.

Parental Concerns Over Quick Fix

Mafalda Ambrósio from the Parents and Guardians Association confirmed the reopening, stating that conditions have been met to resume operations. However, parents are skeptical about the speed of the resolution.

"We have a little doubt because it was all very fast, and we want to understand what kind of intervention was done and what guarantee there is for what was executed," said the parent representative.

Incident Details and Safety Measures

The school, housed in temporary modular units since 2021, was closed after persistent rains triggered fire alarms. To silence the warnings, the electrical panel had to be disconnected, prompting authorities to ask parents to pick up their children immediately. Firefighters advised that the school should not open until safety conditions were restored, citing security concerns.

Parents attribute the situation to neglect by the Lisbon City Council and Campo de Ourique Parish Council, accusing them of failing in their maintenance responsibilities for the temporary facilities, particularly regarding rainwater drainage.

"We don't even know the extent of the intervention, whether it was just cosmetic or more profound. What worries us is the durability of this fix," emphasized Mafalda Ambrósio, noting that they await details from a meeting between council and parish officials.

Impact on Students and Ongoing Issues

Delays in Permanent Building

Approximately 160 students were supposed to start the school year in the original building on Travessa de Santa Quitéria, but it has been under renovation for five years due to severe degradation. The move to temporary units occurred in Easter 2021 after a balcony piece fell, with plans for a deep rehabilitation by the municipal urban rehabilitation company.

The school includes two kindergarten classes and five primary school classes. Parents are now focused on ensuring communication about the new school project and hope for visits by coordinators and activity leaders to the space.

Awaiting Clarifications

For now, the parents' association and individual guardians are waiting for responses to emails sent to the council and parish, seeking explanations about the repairs done to ensure child safety, rather than receiving automated replies.