Summary
- The start of the works on El Paseo in Orihuela has been postponed until after Easter.
- The delay aims to avoid conflicts with Holy week processions and to support local businesses during the festive season.
- A public contract was awarded to UTE Instalaciones Sánchez Mateos-Mistral 3000 for €567,389.
- the €776,820 project includes a important portion funded by ‘Next Generation’ EU funds, but there’s uncertainty about securing this funding.
The Delay of El Paseo Renovation Works in Orihuela
In a recent development,the much-anticipated renovation works on El Paseo in Orihuela have been officially postponed. The local government, headed by Councilor noelia Grao, has decided to delay the start of construction until after the Holy Week festivities. This decision aligns with the intention to minimize disruption during one of the busiest times of the year for the local community and its businesses.
Reasons for the Delay
- Avoiding Conflicts with Processions: The construction site intersects with the initial route of the Holy Week processions, necessitating a shift in the timeline to preserve the integrity and flow of the events.
- Supporting Local Merchants: By delaying the project until summer, local businesses on El Paseo can safely operate through the Christmas and Holy Week seasons, when they typically see increased traffic and sales.
The Planned renovation Details
The project was recently awarded to the joint venture UTE Instalaciones Sánchez Mateos-Mistral 3000, which submitted a competitive bid valued at €567,389. this joint venture also proposed a reduced construction timeline, aiming for completion in four months, assuming no unforeseen complications arise.
| Item | Cost | Funding Source |
|---|---|---|
| Total Project Budget | €776,820 | Combination of local budget and EU funds |
| EU Funding | €471,600 | Next Generation EU |
| Awarded Contract | €567,389 | UTE Instalaciones Sánchez Mateos-Mistral 3000 |
Trouble with Funding
Despite the awarded contract and the positive steps forward,there remains uncertainty regarding the financial backing for the project. The local government must justify the use of the European funds by December 31. Unluckily, meeting this deadline seems unlikely, as no clear resolution has been provided regarding the allocation of these funds, which are expected to cover 60% of the total project cost.
A Long Journey to the Renovation
The pathway to these renovations has been long and fraught with delays. Initially presented in April 2022 by the then councilor for markets, Victor Bernabéu (PP), the project faced a significant hold-up following a change in the municipal government due to a motion of censure. the new governance under PSOE-Cs resubmitted the project just weeks before the May 2023 elections,highlighting the urgent need for revitalization of this central area.
As the community eagerly anticipates the conversion of El Paseo, the combined efforts of local government, contractors, and business owners play a crucial role in ensuring the project’s ultimate success.
For more details, visit the full article at La Verdad.