Over 80% of Orihuela Costa inhabitants are non-Spanish, an aspect that undoubtedly influences the decisions made by Orihuela’s politicians, where spending patterns inevitably favour the city and selected villages, to the detriment of the coastal resident.
Despite this, there is no other area in the municipality that has seen so much growth in economic activity, clearly dominated by house building, tourism, entertainment, hospitality and retail. As such there can be no denying that the wealth creation centre of Orihuela is based in Orihuela Costa.
However, it is equally valid to state that this is not, and never has been, a priority which has influenced the spending patterns of the Orihuela Municipal Council, who have systematically used and abused the wealth created by the inhabitants of Orihuela Costa to improve the lives of people living in the urban centre, over thirty-eight kilometres away, whilst totally neglecting the needs and wellbeing of the coastal resident.
Elected councillors are required to ensure that there is fairness in the provision and delivery of council-based services throughout their municipality, however, this is not the case on Orihuela Costa. Whilst the coastal area may be the most economically productive by a country mile, it is by far the most deprived in terms of necessary and much needed public services.
Elections have a direct impact on spending patterns within a municipal area with councillors responsible in making decisions regarding facilities and services, but without councillors representing Orihuela Costa it is no surprise that spending is channelled toward Orihuela City and its outlying pedanias where they all tend to reside, and where they blatantly ‘look after their own’ with no regard for residents on the coast.
Despite being the largest contributor to the Municipal budget, providing over 60% of the generated income, the Orihuela Costa continues to be “the dirtiest and most neglected area of the Spanish Costas” with sewage running through the streets and onto the beaches, rubbish, weeds, neglected parks and gardens, appalling roads with little or no maintenance, an education system that is completely overwhelmed, and with over 1500 children crammed into two schools that are meant to accommodate just 920.
The municipal council and the department of education should be hanging its head in shame but, unfortunately, while faces and parties may change in Orihuela, municipal policies and discrimination against residents of the coast remain the same.
As we said at the beginning of this article, “It is now time for Orihuela Costa residents to wake up and smell the coffee, before it becomes too late”!
PIOC is the only credible political party that represents the residents of the Orihuela Costa.
With members of all nationalities, and from all walks of life, we want nothing more than equality for Orihuela Costa, better services, maintenance and conservation, a more representative budget and to bring key services to the residents of the coast.
Make your voice heard now by joining PIOC where you really will be able to make a difference.
More information is available on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/PIOCgrupo, by email at: community@pioc.es or by WhatsApp at: 604 38 81 83
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Complete your membership application through the website at: www.pioc.es/member-registration