Orihuela Costa receives only 21% of the Municipal investment in Christmas
Residents of Orihuela Costa, a which contributes significantly to the local economy, feel increasingly marginalized and overlooked by the municipal government. Despite generating nearly half of the municipal income, the region is receiving a disproportionately small share of investment in public services and infrastructure.
A Disparity in Investment
The most recent budget allocation for Christmas festivities highlights the stark contrast between the city centre and the coast. While the city centre is set to receive 79% of the total budget, the coast will only receive 21%. This disparity extends to various areas, including Christmas lighting, Santa Claus parades, and public events.
Of the 793,672 euros that the Councillor of Fiestas has put out to tender for Christmas activities, the city gets 630,000, 79% of the total, compared to 163,000 that will be invested on the coast. “There is a huge disparity, while because of its importance, area and population, the Coast] deserves much more,” they say. Further examples; there is 245,400 euros for Christmas lighting in the city compared to 61,867 for the coast, 154,940 for the city’s Three Kings Parade, which the allocation to Orihuela Costa is just 52,756 euros. A further 134,310 is also being spent on supplementary activities in Orihuela city while the coast gets nothing.
A Lack of Essential Services
Residents are also frustrated by the ongoing neglect of essential services. Garbage collection is inefficient, green spaces are poorly maintained, and infrastructure is deteriorating. The expansion of the local health centre is consistently delayed, and schools are suffocating from overcrowding.
A Call for Fairness and Transparency
The “United for the Coast” Residents Association, formerly AVCRL, is leading the charge in demanding fairer treatment for the region. They are calling for increased transparency, accountability, and equitable distribution of resources. The group emphasizes the significant financial contribution of the coast to the city’s funding and argues that the region deserves a commensurate level of investment.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, residents of Orihuela Costa are growing increasingly disillusioned with the local government. They are determined to fight for their rights and ensure that their voices are heard.
