Ordino Pushes Public-Private Partnership for First Socio-Healthcare Centre

Ordino's local government is pushing for a public-private partnership to advance construction of the parish's first socio-healthcare centre, with the aim of laying the foundation stone before the current term ends in 2027.

Deputy mayor Eduard Betriu emphasised the urgency of the project, stating that the parish and the Ministry of Social Affairs continue to prioritise it as an essential need. "I hope that this year, one way or another, this project takes shape. We cannot end this term without laying the first stone of the socio-healthcare centre," he told *Altaveu*.

Although a public tender for the construction and management of the facility by a private operator is nearly complete, Betriu indicated a preference for stronger public involvement. The parish seeks a collaboration model featuring a non-profit foundation to invest without commercial aims, which could make places more affordable amid high demand not just in Ordino and northern valleys, but across Andorra.

Two government-owned sites from the Casa Rossell inheritance are under consideration: a smaller plot closer to Ordino village, and a larger one in La Cortinada that could accommodate expansions such as assisted living units or a day centre. Owning the land outright should help reduce construction costs, Betriu noted, as officials finalise their evaluation.

The initiative follows years of discussion and past controversies that even divided the parish's ruling coalition. Current leaders, in coordination with the central government, hope to launch the tender soon, formalise the project through a non-profit partnership if feasible, and ensure visible progress by 2027 to carry it into the next term. Betriu confirmed interest from potential investors in the social sector but withheld details until agreements are finalised.