A conflict is brewing in the Rejas area of Madrid’s San Blas-Canillejas district over the only local school, Ciudad Pegaso. Parents are fed up with waiting for change: four years of appeals to the authorities have brought no real action. The building, constructed back in 1960, has long needed a major overhaul, and its condition is causing genuine concern among families for their children’s safety.
The main issues include numerous leaks, deep cracks in the walls, failing bathrooms, and an asbestos roof whose lifespan expired long ago. Parents point out that despite officials’ promises, the renovation project still hasn’t materialized. In 2020, a technical inspection rated the building as unsatisfactory on all key criteria: from the foundation to utilities and accessibility. In 2023, the district administration again reported possible structural damage to the school’s supporting elements.
Dangerous asbestos and constant leaks
One of the biggest worries is the asbestos roof, covering more than 3,000 square meters. Parents arranged an independent inspection, which confirmed the presence of this hazardous material. Even though a metal sheet was added in 2003, the old asbestos remains part of the structure. Officials claim the risk is minimal, but parents are convinced that children could be inhaling harmful fibers—especially when it rains, and water seeps into the building.
In October last year, the municipal police even closed the school changing rooms due to the risk of collapse. Throughout 2023 and part of 2024, water regularly pooled in the courtyards and exits, forming huge puddles. As a result, the doors swelled and would not open, making a quick evacuation impossible in case of emergency. The old pipes and sewage system can’t cope with the load, and the manholes and drains are often clogged.
Repairs stalled by bureaucracy and delays
Restrooms for 165 students were closed for over a year due to broken drains. They were recently reopened, but parents worry the issue is far from solved. The asbestos sheets on the roof are cracking, and the floors in some rooms are sagging. Parents are left wondering: does it really have to come to tragedy before the authorities take action?
Rain leads to flooded hallways, with new cracks and damp patches appearing on the walls. The fastest deterioration is seen in the upper-floor classrooms and rooms where religion classes are held. Despite occasional minor repairs by district and city services, the overall condition of the building keeps getting worse.
A long fight for a safe school
Since 2021, parents have been fighting a real bureaucratic battle: filing complaints, requesting documents, and appealing to the ombudsman. Authorities acknowledge the presence of asbestos but believe its removal is unnecessary as long as the material is intact. However, experts estimate the lifespan of asbestos to be 35 years, while the school’s roof is already 63 years old. Over this time, the material becomes brittle and may release dangerous particles into the air.
In 2022, the district administration promised to add the school to a special register of buildings containing asbestos. In August and September, repairs were carried out to fix the identified defects, but parents still do not know if the school underwent a follow-up inspection. In February 2023, the CGT union filed a complaint with the labor inspectorate, and in October that year, the school administration reported a critical condition of the building.
In December 2023, the labor inspectorate assessed the asbestos risk as low but recommended replacing the roof by 2028. Emergency repairs to walls and doors were completed in October, yet the main issues remain unresolved. Parents continue to demand an immediate major renovation, fearing for the health and safety of their children.
