by InTrieste
On Thursday, city officials presented a comprehensive plan to invest over 50 million euros in the maintenance and improvement of school infrastructure. The announcement, made in the Sala Giunta, detailed both completed and ongoing projects designed to enhance the safety and functionality of educational facilities across the city.
Elisa Lodi, the Municipal Councillor for Property Policies, and Maurizio De Blasio, the Municipal Councillor for Education and Family Policies, outlined the scope and significance of these efforts.
Ms. Lodi emphasized the extensive nature of Trieste’s school infrastructure, which includes around 150 buildings of varying ages and conditions. The city is responsible for both routine and major maintenance of these facilities. “The regulations have become increasingly stringent to ensure the safety of school buildings,” she noted.
The current administration has prioritized school infrastructure through a substantial three-year public works program. “This administration’s goal is to make significant structural improvements to our schools,” Ms. Lodi said, “even securing funding from outside the Municipality. However, we must carefully plan these projects to avoid disrupting the regular academic schedule, often undertaking work during summer breaks or brief holiday periods.”
In 2023, the Municipality managed several relocations to facilitate major structural work, including moving the Corsi school to Molo IV and the Sauro-Spaccini school to the former Timeus building. In some instances, the city has rented additional spaces to accommodate gym activities and other school functions.
Highlighting the progress made by mid-2024, Ms. Lodi stated that over 50 million euros have been allocated, with approximately 60% of the funding sourced from regional or state contributions and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). These projects span all city districts, including the Carso area, focusing on seismic and fire safety upgrades, painting, new classrooms, and fixture replacements.
Among the notable projects is a new nursery in the former Chiarle barracks, which cost around 3 million euros and is soon to undergo inspection. Ms. Lodi also mentioned significant financial investments in various schools, including the A. Bergamas middle school, the Umberto Gaspardis primary school, and the Lionello Stock school, among others.
Specific interventions include:
- Fire safety upgrades at A. Bergamas middle school, costing 1.5 million euros.
- Seismic improvements at Umberto Gaspardis primary school, costing 850,000 euros.
- Fire safety upgrades at Lionello Stock school, costing 900,000 euros.
- Seismic mitigation and fire safety upgrades at the school on Tigor Street 3, costing 8 million euros.
- Restoration and regulatory upgrades at the Nazario Sauro primary school, Marina Spaccini nursery, and the former Giosuè Carducci high school, costing 1.4 million euros.
- Comprehensive safety and energy efficiency upgrades at G. Caprin middle school, costing 6.2 million euros.
- Regulatory upgrades at the Fonda Savio school complex, costing 6.4 million euros.
- Seismic and safety upgrades at the school on Sant’Anastasio Street, housing Manna and Corsi schools, costing 2 million euros.
Additionally, fire safety, seismic improvements, removal of architectural barriers, asbestos remediation, and energy efficiency upgrades at the school complex on Rozzol Road 61, costing 6.5 million euros, were highlighted. Nurseries, kindergartens, recreational centers, and school gyms are also included in the planned interventions, with approximately 7 million euros allocated to these facilities.
Interviews: Elisa Lodi, the Municipal Councillor for Property Policies, and Maurizio De Blasio, the Municipal Councillor for Education and Family Policies.
