Families Raise Alarm Over School Conditions

Parents and teaching staff at Escola Fort Pienc in Barcelona have demanded immediate repairs after persistent water leaks, flooding, and mould rendered parts of the building unsafe. The school, located at c. d'Alí Bei, 75 in the Eixample district, serves nursery, primary, and community facilities, and is officially owned by Infraestructures de la Generalitat, according to property records dated 1 January 2021.

Recent Flooding Disrupts Learning

Following heavy rainfall on Monday 5 October 2026, corridors were left completely flooded, with water pooling across floors and seeping into children’s storage drawers. Families reported having to use buckets, mops, and cardboard to navigate the building. Anna Burgués, president of the school’s Parents’ Association (AFA), confirmed that the kindergarten area has flooded repeatedly during rain, stating: "Classes cannot be held." She added that leaks have persisted for at least a decade.

Health Risks and Structural Deficiencies

The school community warns that dampness and visible mould pose a respiratory health risk to children and staff. They cite broken tiles, poor thermal insulation causing extreme indoor temperatures, and deteriorating cladding as evidence of long-term neglect. The AFA has submitted a formal request for a Comprehensive Technical Inspection, calling for urgent assessment of the roof, waterproofing, drainage, flooring, and cladding to determine habitability.

The building is 20 years old and has had water leaks and drips for at least 10 years, with partial closures.

Jurisdictional Delays Hinder Repairs

While routine maintenance falls under the Consorci d'Educació de Barcelona, the building itself is managed by Infraestructures de la Generalitat. Burgués described coordination between agencies as extremely difficult, delaying any permanent solution. The school opened in September 2003 and was fully consolidated by 2010–2011, according to its educational project.

Broader Safety Concerns Around School

Parents also raised concerns about the external environment, citing insecurity, pollution, and drug-related activity near Estació del Nord. They argue that the lack of maintenance extends beyond the building to its surroundings, affecting daily safety for students and families.

How to Get Involved

The AFA Fort Pienc, a volunteer-run parents’ association, continues to advocate for improvements. Families and community members can contact the association at [email protected] or visit afafortpienc.org for updates. Official property details are available via Infraestructures.cat.

Primary sources: infraestructures.gencat.cat, documents.espai.educacio.gencat.cat. Reported by metropoliabierta.elespanol.com, BuscoColegio, afafortpienc.org, agora.xtec.cat, Trobada oficial, 40296564N, Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life.