Construction surge in Bunjakovec leaves sidewalks damaged and parents worried
Residents say torn pavements, blocked sidewalks and unmarked crossings make the route to the school unsafe ahead of 1 September.
Published in: Macedonia 27 August, 2026 14:27. A rapid wave of construction in the Bunjakovec neighbourhood of Centar has left streets and sidewalks torn up, and parents say they fear for children who must return to school on 1 September at Primary School "Johan Heinrich Pestalozzi".
Parents warn the paths to school are unsafe
Residents describe heavy construction machinery across the area and a dense schedule of building projects that, they say, are turning single houses into multi-storey blocks. The resulting congestion has narrowed lanes and sidewalks so much that passing vehicles and pedestrians are forced into risky situations.
Many neighbours have posted photos showing dug-up pavements, construction debris and equipment blocking walking routes. The situation is particularly worrying around the school: parents say there are no marked pedestrian crossings on the streets that lead to the school, making the route hazardous for children.
“We all who live here should join your cause and be louder. I have lived here for almost 15 years and never has this part of Centar been so dirty and neglected.
I'll send you some pictures of 29 November Street, in the stretch from the Catholic [Church] to the café Belier. The street is in a desperate condition, and so are the sidewalks from the three construction sites; it is not at all safe to walk because of the large holes and sidewalks blocked by construction material.
I'm sending this message because 1 September is approaching, I don't know how the children will get to Pestalozzi along these sidewalks. Plus, pedestrian crossings are not marked on any street around the school,” reacted a resident in the group "In Defense of Bunjakovec".
Parents in the neighbourhood say they expect local authorities and construction companies to take immediate steps to clear pedestrian routes, secure open excavations and mark crossings before the school year begins. So far there has been no public timetable published for remedial measures.
Photo: METOKARA / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
