Damp Problems Persist for Years

The El Gat Negre 'escola bressol', located in the Carmel neighbourhood of Horta-Guinardó near Park Güell, has endured chronic damp issues for approximately five years due to water entering through a skylight in the roof. Robert Botey, a parent and member of the school’s Families’ Association (AFA), said initial leaks began as minor filtrations but have progressively worsened, spreading from upper floors housing infants to now affect multiple areas including classrooms and the entrance.

Crews Mop Up After Rain

According to Botey, the current response from Barcelona City Council involves sending a cleaning crew each morning after rainfall to mop affected areas. The school uses strategically placed buckets and rags to catch dripping water. This occurred again on Wednesday morning following heavy rain on Tuesday night.

Obviamente, no es trabajo del personal docente.

Botey stressed that while mopping is officially handled by a dedicated team, teaching staff have occasionally had to assist. Last year, a teacher slipped while carrying a child, resulting in a sprain and several months of sick leave.

Classroom Closed Due to Damage

The damp conditions have forced the closure of a classroom used as a play and dining space for two-year-olds. Activities previously held there have been relocated to the main classroom.

Council Acknowledges Structural Fault

The Institut Municipal d'Educació de Barcelona (IMEB), which manages early childhood education facilities, confirmed the structural issue with the skylight between the second and third floors. Municipal sources stated technical services are working on a comprehensive solution requiring specific investment, though no completion date has been set. Repairs to air conditioning were prioritised last spring. Roof repairs are next in line. In the meantime, IMEB conducts inspections, cleaning and area conditioning after extreme weather events, consistent with the reported mop-up operations. Parents continue to press for a definitive fix, noting that delays allow the problem to deteriorate further.

Primary sources: noticies.tmb.cat, gentmb.tmb.cat. Reported by elperiodico.com, ground.news, elmon.cat, dateas.com, El Periódico Barcelona.