Renovation of 'Dragojla' Delayed: Students Again in 'Seljani', Mandić Doubts Contractor
Mayor admitted problems with the pace of works and announced a return to the home school only in the second semester.
Mayor admitted problems with the pace of works and announced a return to the home school only in the second semester.
Students of Dragojla Jarnević Primary School will welcome the new school year, starting this autumn, as guests in the premises of the Braća Seljan School. Although it was initially planned that the extensive renovation of the main building would be completed by the start of classes, the works are not progressing at the expected pace.
The information was confirmed at a press conference on August 6, 2026, by Mayor Damir Mandić, who emphasized that it is realistic to expect students to return to the renovated 'Dragojla' only during the second semester of the 2026/2027 school year.
"The works on the 'Dragojla' itself are not going at the pace and intensity we expected. We are having certain problems with the contractor. They claim there won't be any problems, but it seems to me they're not telling us everything," Mandić said, as reported by Radio Mrežnica.
One of the reasons for the slowdown was the unexpected discovery of a hand grenade during the dismantling of the intermediate floor structure on the first floor. As a result, the continuation of the works had to be carried out manually, which further extended the deadlines.
Despite the setback, Mandić emphasized the focus on quality. "The interest is to finish the project as it should be, in the meantime we need to complete the furnishing, and the procurement for that has been completed. In the coming weeks and months, I believe we will be a bit wiser," he added.
Once the works are finally completed, the school will switch to single-shift operation. The project also includes the full utilization of the attic space for new classrooms, the installation of a heating system using heat pumps, and air conditioning for the entire building. The renovated 'Dragojla' will be fully accessible to people with disabilities and reduced mobility.
The renovation project was contracted for 9,012,981 euros in grant funds. The majority, specifically 8,885,269 euros, is provided by the Recovery and Resilience Facility, while 127,712 euros are allocated from the European Union Solidarity Fund.
