Montezenia Residents Close Av de la Luz to Non-Resident Traffic Amid Council Inaction

Residents of Montezenia in Orihuela Costa have taken drastic measures by closing Av de la Luz to non-resident traffic. This action follows a prolonged period of neglect by the Orihuela Council, which has failed to adopt and maintain the urbanisation's infrastructure.

Why this matters: The closure of Av de la Luz reflects a broader issue of urbanisation management and municipal responsibility in Orihuela Costa. This situation raises questions about the effectiveness and responsiveness of local governance, potentially leading to similar actions in other urbanisations.

The streets of Montezenia were never formally adopted by the Orihuela Council, leading to a persistent lack of maintenance. Residents have been left to repair cracks and large potholes at their own expense. The absence of pavements further exacerbates the risk of accidents, which have become a common occurrence.

Frustrated by the lack of support, the residents, through their property manager, decided to take charge of the maintenance costs themselves. Despite paying taxes to the municipality, they will now only receive waste and garbage services, while they cover the rest of the urbanisation's upkeep.

For the Council to assume responsibility for the roads, a significant investment would be required. This includes water channelling, as some roads lack sewerage and lighting. The situation mirrors that of the Montepinar urbanisation, where the Council eventually took responsibility for maintenance.

In response to the Council's inaction, the residents have installed a metal gate on Av de la Luz, restricting access to residents only. Montezenia now joins Las Colinas as the second Orihuela Costa urbanisation with restricted access. To ensure security, the residents have hired a private security company to manage entry to the area.

This move comes after a meeting where Manuel Mestre promised investments and improvements in the new Orihuela Costa budget. However, the residents' actions indicate a lack of faith in the Council's promises, opting instead to take immediate action to improve their living conditions.

The closure of Av de la Luz reflects a broader issue of urbanisation management and municipal responsibility in Orihuela Costa. As residents continue to bear the brunt of maintenance costs, the situation raises questions about the effectiveness and responsiveness of local governance.

The residents of Montezenia have made it clear that they will not wait for the Council to act. By taking matters into their own hands, they hope to ensure a safer and better-maintained environment for their community.

Key Takeaways

• Residents of Montezenia in Orihuela Costa closed Av de la Luz to non-resident traffic due to council neglect.
• Council failed to adopt and maintain urbanisation's infrastructure, leaving residents to pay for repairs.
• Residents will now cover maintenance costs, except for waste and garbage services.
• Council's inaction led to installation of metal gate, restricting access to residents only.
• Residents' actions raise questions about local governance's effectiveness and responsiveness.