Storm-hit school in Gazi Baba still without new roof, officials say pupils are safe

Nearly 1,000 pupils are due to return to classes at Primary School Naum Naumovski–Borche in the Gazi Baba neighbourhood of Skopje, but the building still awaits a new roof after last month’s storm. Damaged metal sheets were removed, yet a full reconstruction cannot start until a public procurement procedure is completed.

Local officials promise safety while tender is prepared

School director Ivica Petrushevski said the tender will be announced within days and appealed to parents to remain calm. "In a few days the public procurement will be announced and the call to collect the best contractor. I appeal to the parents that the children are safe, because the upper part of the roof has a concrete slab that guarantees the safety of the children from leaking and other undesirable actions," he said.

On-site, some sheet metal still hangs beyond the façade, but authorities say the most dangerous remnants were already taken down and that temporary measures protect classrooms from water ingress. The reconstruction timetable depends on the procurement deadlines and the selection of a contractor.

By contrast, Maria Curie–Sklodowska State High School’s damaged laboratory roof was repaired within a month. Director Darko Spasev said the Bureau for Public Procurement was asked to treat the case as urgent, a contractor was chosen and work started immediately. "The Bureau for Public Procurement was asked to give an opinion to start the procedure with urgency – it responded positively, the most favorable contractor was selected and work began, and on August 15 the reconstruction of the roof structure was completed," he said.

Vesna Janevska, Minister of Education and Science, also sought to reassure families across the capital. "There is a slab and the pupils are secured. A project is being prepared; parents should not be worried — it has been checked, engineers were on site, and the roof will be completed during the school year," she said.

Municipal crews and utility services continue clearing fallen trees and repairing damage across Skopje after the severe storm about a month ago. For schools like Naum Naumovski–Borche the short-term priority is ensuring safe teaching conditions until full roof replacement can proceed under the upcoming procurement process.

Photo: press material from the event