Groundbreaking Ceremony Launches Ossa-Senior Living for 120 Elderly Beds in Andorra's Encamp

The groundbreaking ceremony for a new elderly care residence in Encamp took place on Tuesday, marking the start of construction on the Ossa-Senior Living facility. The project, set to open in 2028, will provide 120 residential places and 30 day centre spots with round-the-clock care services. It represents the first sociosanitary centre outside the central valleys of Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany.

Head of Government Xavier Espot, Encamp's senior councillor Laura Mas, and MoraBanc delegate director Lluís Alsina attended the symbolic event. The initiative stems from a public-private partnership involving the government, the Encamp commune, and MoraBanc, with an estimated cost of around 17 to 20 million euros. MoraBanc is financing half, while private investors covered the rest after receiving interest three times the required amount.

Of the residential places, 55%—around 66—will be government-contracted, with priority access to non-contracted spots for Encamp residents under an agreement between MoraBanc and the commune. Day centre places will similarly prioritise locals. Encamp has nearly 2,000 residents over 65, highlighting a significant local need.

Espot described the project as key to addressing Andorra's demographic challenge of an ageing population, enabling policies for quality ageing and decentralising services. Mas stressed it would offer accompaniment in life's final stages, allowing elderly residents to remain in the parish near family. Alsina noted the strong private sector interest in socially valuable investments, showing collaboration can strengthen the parish and country.

Speakers advocated extending such partnerships. Espot announced an upcoming tender for a public-private housing project in La Massana on land ceded by the commune, developed with input from the Andorran Family Business Association (EFA) and Andorran Business Confederation (CEA) to ensure attractive bids and avoid past empty tenders. He expects at least one such initiative before the legislature ends, creating more affordable rental stock. Alsina indicated openness to housing collaborations.