Aparking Vinyes Plans Lawsuit Against Andorra la Vella Over Repeated Parking Flooding

Aparking Vinyes parking operator has reiterated its neutrality amid escalating disputes with Andorra la Vella council over repeated flooding at Plaça del Poble, while announcing plans to file a lawsuit against the local authority.

The latest incident occurred on Monday evening, when heavy rain caused water to flood the underground facility near the casino end of the square. Council sources identified a displaced component in a stormwater drain that trapped debris and blocked flow, despite regular cleanings every two weeks and periodic deeper maintenance. The operator reported damage to electrical systems, fire suppression equipment, ventilation, and elevators, with staff spending Tuesday on cleanup rather than routine duties. Claims for these losses have been submitted to its insurer.

Vinyes Patrimonial, the family-owned company behind the parking, attributes the flooding to council shortcomings in square waterproofing and drain maintenance, breaching a 1999 agreement where the council took over the roof for public use and pledged to maintain and waterproof it. Filtrations began on 23 June 2025 during plaza renovations. After the council's governing board rejected an administrative claim in December 2025, the company sent a strongly worded letter to Cònsol Major Sergi González accusing the administration of negligence. It now plans to sue in Batllia in coming weeks for material damages.

In response, the council has begun comprehensive waterproofing works on the old planter along Prat de la Creu, adjacent to the parking elevators and wall. González described the approach as "global and integral" after months of monitoring and tests showed targeted fixes would not fully resolve leaks, originally deemed unnecessary by project engineers. Works started this week, with completion expected in mid-June and minimal disruption, mainly to playground areas. He clarified recent parking entrance closures were for scheduled pavement maintenance, not flooding, and emphasized ongoing drain cleanings.

González noted the leaks date back to November 2023 and were previously downplayed as minor drips. Three weeks ago, he promised fixes within a month. Opposition councillor David Astrié criticized the delays, saying the plaza was rushed for political gain: "We said months ago it was done hastily to claim credit."

Aparking Vinyes, in a social media statement, stressed it has not endorsed any political actions and seeks solutions for affected users, residents, and facilities. It confirmed council refusal to share a technical report on construction flaws but noted limited follow-up from opposition contacts. With national elections nearing, the firm aims to stay out of partisan debates.