Parents seek to block opening of run-down school in Porto

The parents association of Porto’s Eugénio de Andrade school is seeking to block the opening of the premises tomorrow on the basis that the building, operating since 1979, does not guarantee conditions of safety, for the pupils, teachers or janitors/ catering staff. Spokesperson Lígia Correia has explained that the school has never had any improvements, still has asbestos coverings in place, and is “extremely run-down”, poorly isolated and in need of various structural interventions. The municipality however has said that it doesn’t know “of any situation that impedes the normal functioning of the school, with exception of the pavilion” which needs a complete overhaul (for which it is seeking funding).