Ordino says La Cortinada geriatric residence will likely need private partner

Maria del Mar Coma, the cònsol major of Ordino, warned that plans to build a geriatric and sociosanitary residence in La Cortinada are unlikely to proceed as a fully public project and will almost certainly require private-sector involvement. The commune has identified a site in the Camp de Ceró on public land of about 19,000 m² and has contacted Social Affairs Minister Trini Marín to begin defining the main parameters of the future facility.

The commune is drafting tender specifications to establish the services and capacity the centre should provide. Coma said the residence would primarily serve the elderly of the northern valleys but could operate at a national level. She described the likely delivery model as public–private, saying “it will be difficult for it to be 100% public,” and noting the high construction costs. As incentives for private partners, the commune could grant the land free of charge and consider exempting construction taxes.

Ordino expects the project to involve three parties: the Ministry of Social Affairs, the commune and a private partner. The land would be conceded on a 50‑year, renewable basis, while capacity and the number of places will be decided by the ministry, which holds demand data. If the project proceeds, officials estimate it could take two to three years to complete and include service flats for autonomous older people requiring some supervision, alongside traditional geriatric and sociosanitary places.

Coma declined to present the initiative as the administration’s flagship project, stressing that private participation is essential and that a tender might attract no bids. She also warned that construction costs must be closely monitored.

Opposition councillor Enric Dolsa said the exact site is less important than ensuring the facility is built. He would not object to alternative locations such as Prat de la Farga or Sornàs, and suggested exploring a shared centre with neighbouring La Massana. Dolsa supported a public–private approach in principle but urged caution so the process does not repeat past mistakes.

At the same council meeting, the commune approved updated regulations on potable water and cemeteries, replacing rules dating from 1990 and 1994. Since 2024, water management has been the commune’s responsibility, and officials said practices have changed over the past three decades.

The council also approved a supplementary allocation of €84,000 to cover final costs for the Plana dels Camps parking project, which will provide about 100 spaces. Officials said five bids exceeded initial estimates by roughly 20%, though some savings might be possible later when purchasing furnishings. Finally, the commune confirmed the award of an approximately €150,000 contract to waterproof the sports centre’s water-area roof after rainwater was found leaking through to an outdoor terrace.