Andorra la Vella Starts Full Waterproofing of Leaky Planter Over Vinyes Garage

**Andorra la Vella's municipal authority has begun comprehensive waterproofing work on an old planter in Plaça del Poble to address persistent water leaks affecting the Vinyes parking garage below.**

Cònsol Major Sergi González announced the decision on Thursday, explaining that the Comú d’Andorra la Vella is shifting from targeted repairs to a full-scale solution. Previous efforts, described as "more surgical," targeted specific leak points but failed to provide lasting results. The issue centres on the old planter in the Prat de la Creu area, adjacent to a wall, which had not been waterproofed. Technical advisors on the original project deemed it unnecessary there, unlike the newer planter beside the park, which received treatment.

Leaks were first identified in November 2023 following heavy rain that flooded Vinyes parking access, particularly near the elevators. Monitoring and tests continued, but recent heavy downpours on Monday exacerbated the problem when a dislodged element blocked a drain, causing water buildup despite routine maintenance. González stressed these are longstanding issues, not new, and noted difficulties in pinpointing the exact cause, even with cameras.

Work started on Wednesday and is expected to last about one month, finishing by mid-June. Disruptions will be minimal, mainly limited to the children's play area, with little impact on plaza access or elevators. The project involves lifting the planter, fully waterproofing it, and replanting.

González denied any link between the leaks and recent closures at the Prat de la Creu entrance to Vinyes parking, attributing those to pre-scheduled pavement maintenance.

Vinyes Patrimonial, the garage operator, plans to file a lawsuit in Batllia soon over material damages from the leaks. The firm blames waterproofing shortcomings and drain maintenance lapses, citing a 1999 agreement obliging the Comú to maintain the plaza cover, including waterproofing. A prior administrative claim was rejected by the Comú's governing board.

Opposition councillor David Astrié criticised the handling, claiming the plaza was rushed for inauguration less than a year ago despite earlier warnings. González previously downplayed the leaks in November as minor drips in isolated spots. The Comú expressed readiness to cooperate in any judicial process.