The Orihuela City Council has launched a new public management system for the maintenance, upkeep, and repair of roads and public spaces in Orihuela Costa.
Starting this Tuesday, the service will be directly managed by the municipal company Servicio de Gestión Medioambiental de Orihuela SL (SGMSL), following a decision made by the City Council plenary on May 14. The project is budgeted at €6,611,131.80 over a five-year period.
The service begins immediately with three teams composed of 19 workers, all of whom were transferred from the previous contractor. To enhance efficiency, a fourth team of five workers will soon be added, increasing the total workforce to 23. During the initial days, these teams will receive personal protective equipment and work uniforms to ensure a smooth transition and start.
At a press conference, Mayor Pepe Vegara, alongside Infrastructure Councilor Víctor Valverde and Coastal Affairs Councilor Manuel Mestre, announced the signing of the contract with the public company. This move follows the early termination of the former contract in February and months of efforts to find a quick, viable solution. Ultimately, direct management via the municipal company was chosen, as allowed by current regulations.
Víctor Valverde highlighted that “many of the workers have experience in the area and have already begun their duties. This week they will receive all the materials needed, and the service will be fully operational shortly.” He also emphasized that direct management enables faster responses to urgent tasks such as pothole repairs, road signage, and street furniture maintenance.
The contract provides for an annual investment of €1,322,226.36, nearly €500,000 more than the previous agreement. Valverde explained that the increased budget will cover direct purchase of materials, including tools, paint, street furniture, heavy machinery rental, and a dedicated €100,000 for civil engineering supplies such as curbs, sidewalks, and asphalt.
Mayor Vegara described the initiative as “the best solution to ensure continuous and efficient maintenance tailored to the real needs of Orihuela Costa.” He added, “With more funding, more personnel, and better resources, we can meet our commitments and address problems that arose unexpectedly.” Vegara also reaffirmed that Orihuela Costa is a priority for the government team, citing ongoing efforts like the new road maintenance plan, the gardening services provided by ILDO, the arrival of new waste containers, and the launch of an improved urban solid waste system before the year ends.
Councilor Manuel Mestre echoed this sentiment, calling the project “a decisive step in managing coastal road upkeep.” He noted that “due to the harsh maritime environment, infrastructure such as boardwalks, railings, and beach access points suffer constant wear and require specialized, timely attention.”
SGMSL, a fully public company, already manages other municipal services. This new contract strengthens its role in Orihuela Costa, allowing comprehensive service delivery supervised by municipal technicians, with monthly expense monitoring and flexibility to adapt to changing needs. The model also promotes stable employment and reinforces public services.
Mayor Vegara concluded, “The goal is clear: to improve what wasn’t working, increase investment, and provide a quality service to a community that truly needs it. And we are achieving that.”
