María García, a councillor for the Socialist Municipal Group (PSOE) in Orihuela, has raised concerns about the possible withdrawal of funding from the Plan Edificant, a regional initiative aimed at improving educational infrastructure.
She criticized the regional government (run by the PP) for blaming delays in the tendering process to justify cutting this crucial investment program.
García highlighted that Orihuela had 21 approved projects under the plan, worth over €20 million. However, several works remain unfinished or at risk due to budget cuts and a lack of commitment from the regional authorities.
She asked what the Orihuela City Council will do if funding is withdrawn, and whether they will demand support from the regional government or use local funds for urgent needs.
She cited the example of CEIP Manuel Riquelme in Hurchillo, where construction was abandoned by the contractor and still awaits resolution, and Virgen de la Puerta school, which suffers from serious structural issues like leaks and overcrowding.
PSOE demands that Orihuela City Council oppose the cuts and urge the Generalitat (regional government) to continue the Edificant Plan, emphasizing the importance of maintaining quality public education.
García concluded by criticizing the lack of maintenance contracts and the overall lack of investment in public education, blaming the PP’s policies.
Similar position in Torrevieja
Meanwhile the situation in Torrevieja appears to be very similar with the refurbishment of the Virgen del Carmen School still up in the air, while the expansion of the IES Libertas, the rehabilitation of the IES Las Lagunas, the new classroom building of the IES Torrevigía and the projects to replace the schools in barracks 14, 15 and IES 6 have all been put on hold.
