
Sections
Services
Highlight
Ernest Gil Gimeno
Presidente de la Asociación Vecinal Benalúa El Templete
Domingo, 27 de abril 2025, 18:35
Yes, strange silences; many unanswered questions: A situation incompatible with a public administration where democratic transparency should prevail.
This is what we think hundreds of people in Benalúa because, although it is quite obvious that this part of the city suffers from a significant deficit in social, cultural, and sports facilities, the City Council acts as if it neither sees, hears, nor responds.
This is a historical deficit spanning decades, vividly remembered by many octogenarians and beyond who, although they are losing hope of being compensated for such a long wait, do not give up. Every Saturday, they renew their civic and solidarity commitment in the gatherings (87) at Navarro Rodrigo Square to demand the social facilities that are unjustly and inexplicably denied to us year after year.
Related news
Community Social Centres, Day Centres, libraries, and sports facilities are essential spaces as climate shelters and to boost the socio-cultural activity of the city.
These spaces and facilities are necessary to offer services and resources that, while providing professional care and attention to those who need it, facilitate meeting, coexistence, and mutual aid. They are indispensable elements for cultural and social cohesion and integration; in short, for the city to function as a city.
We have to remember that in Benalúa we have been advocating for more than 25 years for a Community Social Centre and other facilities such as an accessible library and also a Day Centre, because it is urgent to weave a network of Day Centres, which is a pressing need for many families.
Throughout all these years, we have knocked on every door, visited municipal and regional offices, and although we have received good words, applause, and unanimously supported votes in the city council plenary, everything remains pending.
The silence and inactivity of the administration have led us to seek protection from the Ombudsman. But silence and inactivity persist.
And, moreover, strange things happen. In the objection submitted to the initial approval of the City Council's General Budget, we literally stated that we requested "the inclusion of a budget item to address the needs that Benalúa has historically suffered from."
By some sleight of hand, this phrase, in the file in which the claim is dismissed, becomes "the historical needs that the Benalúa Neighbourhood Association suffers from." The nuance is important, it is not an error; it is not the first time it has happened. Somehow it seems that there is an attempt to muddle things. We demand that the truth be respected: El Templete works for the neighbourhood, not for the association. That is why we have filed a claim in the Registry to rectify and clarify things.
We know that the Mayor has a very tight schedule, in five years he has not found a moment to meet with us despite the multiple occasions we have requested it. On Friday, December 13th, taking advantage of his visit to Benalúa, we handed him a letter, and he assured us that he would call us to explain the City Council's plans regarding the Benalúa Social Centre. Four months have passed without a response, so on the 18th, we have registered a new request. And now we wait.
There are unclear things. So far, no one has offered a rational explanation for the historical marginalisation of Benalúa, Alipark, and adjacent areas, about 15,000 people. And when those who should respond let time pass and hide behind silence, it opens the door to all kinds of speculations. It smells fishy. Is gentrification being sown?
Publicidad
Publicidad
Te puede interesar
Publicidad
Publicidad
Esta funcionalidad es exclusiva para registrados.
Reporta un error en esta noticia
Comentar es una ventaja exclusiva para registrados
¿Ya eres registrado?
Inicia sesiónNecesitas ser suscriptor para poder votar.