Residents of the Orihuela Costa are growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress under the new PP-Vox coalition government. Despite the creation of a specific council for the Coast, headed by Manuel Mestre (Vox), the area continues to feel neglected.
Decades of rapid urban development have not been matched by adequate investment in services and infrastructure, leaving residents feeling abandoned. That sentiment was amplified at last Thursday’s annual meeting of Unidos por la Costa, the primary neighbourhood association, with over 900 members and 10,000 followers on Facebook.
The association and many residents are calling for greater autonomy for the coastal area, which, despite being part of Orihuela, feels distant from the municipality’s decision-making processes. They believe that a significant budgetary boost, along with additional human, technical, and material resources, is necessary to address the area’s needs.
At the meeting, Tomás Moreno, a long-time advocate for the coastal neighbourhoods, was re-elected as its president. This experienced leader, with his history of local activism, remains committed to championing the interests of residents.
Moreno outlined his ambitious plans for the coming year, including expanding membership of the association, establishing specialised working groups to tackle key issues, and maintaining a strong presence in local government bodies. “The association”, he said, “is committed to actively engaging with residents through surveys and community discussions, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed”.
He also expressed his frustration with the slow progress of the local authority in addressing pressing issues. He criticised the council’s budget management and its alleged censorship of the association’s concerns during plenary sessions.
The association spoke of “the authoritarian drift of the two-party system, which is increasingly annoyed by the fact that residents are showing an interest in many issues, to the point of censoring the questions that are being asked in the plenary sessions, or not granting them access to the files that are requested.”
Moreno emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in local government. He criticised the council’s lack of responsiveness to residents’ concerns and its failure to deliver on promised projects. The association remains committed to using all available channels, including social media, public meetings, and legal action, to advocate for the rights of residents and ensure that their voices are heard.
As such, the association remains steadfast in its efforts to hold the council accountable and push for the realisation of essential projects, such as the eco-park, new schools, and improved infrastructure.
As Unidos por la Costa continues to grow and advocate for the needs of Orihuela Costa residents, its leadership under Moreno is poised to drive positive change and ensure a brighter future for the community. The association’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and community engagement has earned it the trust and support of its members.
Moreno’s vision for the association includes fostering a sense of community among residents, promoting sustainable development, and advocating for policies that improve the quality of life in Orihuela Costa. By working together, the association and its members are intent on creating a more vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous community for all.
For residents, the accumulated delays in the implementation of major contracts or management orders is alarming: “The approved budget for the 2024 financial year has still not been implemented, and many of the unexecuted investments will have to be re-included in the 2025 financial year, which is currently being drawn up but whose content is unknown to us at the moment,” Moreno explained.
Moreno concluded by encouraging all Orihuela Costa residents to join Unidos por la Costa to amplify their collective voice. He expressed hope for significant infrastructure improvements in 2025 but indicated that the association may consider extraordinary measures, including a demand for more self-governance.
If you too feel that the coast is being ignored by the authorities in Orihuela City and would like to add your voice to the calls for better facilities and infrastructure, then you too should consider joining ‘Unidas por la Costa’. It is a non-political organisation and it is free to join. Simply follow the link on the Facebook page: unidosxlacosta or email avocaorihuelacosta@gmail.com for further information.
