Orihuela’s ‘Slow-Moving’ Council

Orihuela's local government, led by a PP-Vox administration, has been struggling with significant delays since its formation over three years ago. With less than a year left in its term, the council is failing to meet residents' needs and complete important projects. The Public Sector Procurement Portal shows the administration's poor performance, particularly in the areas of schools, infrastructure, and public services.

The council has not issued tenders for essential work at schools, despite having a full summer holiday to do so. This delay will push maintenance work to after the return of students. The mayor's flagship project, the AP-7 pedestrian and cycle bridge at Lomas de Cabo Roig, has also suffered delays. Its proposed width has been reduced to keep the cost within the approved budget, and additional funding seems difficult to secure. The project may extend beyond the current council term, ending in May 2027.

Street cleaning and waste collection services established over two years ago have yet to begin operating. The council plans to launch these services "early next year," conveniently close to the upcoming local elections. The council also failed to publish a new tender for over 1,000 waste containers promised to the coastal area, despite having more than €100 million in the bank due to ineffective management.

A contract for seaweed removal from beaches, valued at almost €1 million, was published but has not been awarded. Seaweed remaining on beaches during the high season will be returned by the Street Cleaning Department after the season ends. Beach lifts at Punta Prima and Barranco Rubio, supposed to be replaced using €250,000 from the 2024 municipal budget, have not been constructed due to delays in the tendering process.

The drainage system at the N-332 underpass, valued at over €500,000, has also faced setbacks. After a lengthy delay, the contract was finally awarded but work has not started. This project aims to address the inconvenience caused by heavy rain in the coastal area. The mayor admits that the administration is moving at a snail's pace, causing frustration among residents.