A few months before the state elections in Lower Austria, the ÖVP – as they explained themselves – unleashed the campaign turbo in the field of childcare offensive. While advertising posters are being put up, it is raining in an elementary school gym. In 2019, the same school was even threatened with closure after a fungal infestation.
While the ÖVP is beating the drums for “Children’s Austria” – the new care offensive for the little ones in the country – it is raining in the Gföhler primary school through the leaking roof in the gym. There would even be cisterns set up for the rainwater. The parents of the affected students, as well as opposition members in the city council, are shocked – especially since it is not the first time that there have been problems in the school that need to be resolved.
The school has already threatened to close
As the readers of “Krone” know, mold did not appear until 2019 during the renovation work in the school. The school was even threatened with suspension at the time. At the time, about three million euros went into the renovation, but the now 43-year-old flat roof of the gym remained untouched, as did other parts of the building. “The flat roof simply didn’t need renovation. The roof was old but intact. Now that there is a leak on the roof, we will repair it as soon as possible,” explains Gföhler ÖVP Mayor Ludmilla Etzenberger.
What now?
On Monday she wants – and must – discuss the procedure and the cost estimate with the Jaidhof community at the primary school community meeting, and then immediately initiate the first renovation steps. “I remain objective and adhere to the compulsory education law,” said the city manager. The Education Directorate also refers to this law. “In this case, the school administrator is the school community and is asked to provide a correspondingly adequate building,” it reads.
A new building was also a problem
Even before the former renovations to the school were carried out, the SPÖ had other plans. City councilor Günter Steindl called for a complete renovation of the school at the time. “The ÖVP crushed that at the time with the sham argument that it was not possible because the school was always there,” he recalls, adding: “A solution is needed in the interest of the students. We demand full transparency on the exact costs of the necessary renovations.”
According to information from “Krone”, a new building would have cost at least seven million. However, in an interview with “Krone”, Etzenberger points out: “The current location is easily accessible for the students, but also for the parents.” According to the city manager, sufficient replacement spaces or buildings of the city have also not been given. If so many renovations were going on, this new building would probably have paid for itself in no time.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
