Residents of PAU 1 Stand Against Illegal Settlements

Residents of PAU 1 have reported to the Alicante City Council due to the insecurity, unsanitary conditions, and fear of fire caused by the proliferation of illegal settlements in the Rabasa area. "The filth is overwhelming; instead of lights, our children see human excrement and insecurity," says María Rosario Buyolo from the PAU 1 neighbourhood association.

Those living in the area are fed up with the illegal camping that is increasingly encroaching on the Vía Parque. This situation causes discomfort among residents who fear health issues. "They are camping even in the gardens, washing in the fountain where children drink, and even confronting parents at school pick-up times, leading to some altercations," María Rosario Buyolo states.

According to the association, the problem dates back a couple of years when the first tents began to appear. Now it has spread, and for the residents, it is a significant issue. They also report that the precariousness of these individuals forces them to search through the neighbourhood's bins, creating a sense of insecurity.

For Buyolo, the most worrying aspect is that two years of complaints have been in vain, as requests for continuous police presence have been met with responses of insufficient personnel. "Something serious could happen one day, as many of them have mental health issues," explains this neighbourhood leader.

In a letter addressed to the mayor by a resident, it is highlighted that "the proximity of this illegal tent settlement causes fear among people who have to pass through the adjacent neighbourhoods on foot daily. Now, some come at unsafe hours."

Residents also fear that the proliferation of tents could lead to a fire spreading easily through the area. This is not far-fetched, as bonfires are common. They also warn that the problem could worsen due to the illegal dumps that abound in the area. The situation is exacerbated by the smoke from fires, with plastic and other waste materials potentially emitting toxic particles.

As this situation drags on, residents also fear that their homes may devalue, partly due to the sense of insecurity and unsanitary conditions it generates. This is why they have requested the intervention of the City Council to resolve this issue, which they have been denouncing for years and is also shared with the residents of PAU 2.