Andorra la Vella Allocates €79K to Fix Planter Leaks Damaging Vinyes Car Park

Andorra la Vella council has allocated nearly 79,000 euros for waterproofing works on the planters at Plaça Vinyes to address water leaks affecting the underground Vinyes car park, Cònsol Major Sergi González announced this week.

The direct award to Sideco SL, published in Wednesday's BOPA, totals 78,843 euros for lifting and resealing the affected planters. Works are underway with a four-week deadline, aiming for completion by June. González explained the intervention was not part of the initial project, as no leaks were evident at the time and technicians deemed it unnecessary. Following recent heavy rains that exposed four small leaks—exacerbated by a blocked drain—the council opted for comprehensive treatment after surgical tests and controls. The commune is covering the full cost as an unforeseen addition.

González acknowledged the parking operator Vinyes Patrimonial's frustration, noting multiple discussions to apologize and commit resources. He stressed no legal action is pending from the council's side, emphasizing adherence to technical directives from engineers and control firms. "We are deploying all resources, energy, and budget to stop this," he said.

Opposition councillor David Astrié from Demòcrates criticized the expenditure as evidence of execution flaws, claiming the minority had warned of issues late last year. He highlighted prior alerts on potential overruns—pushing total costs 600,000-700,000 euros above initial estimates—and noted similar leaks at the Congress Centre under Plaça del Poble. Astrié faulted the majority for downplaying early signs as "four drops every 40 minutes."

In parallel, the council advances parking expansion amid shortages. Transport councillor Xavier Surana confirmed a modular car park at Fener 2 will double capacity to 200 spaces on communal land by late this year or early 2027, leveraging faster construction. Discreet talks continue with private owners in Santa Coloma and La Margineda, though terrain limits options. Recent gains include doubled spaces at Can Rodes and partial Fener recovery post-private works.

The council unanimously extended the Valira car park lease on Canimà plot near Dama de Gel rink for three years from June 1, 2026, at 32,850 euros monthly—up 3,000 euros. Astrié supported it but renewed calls to end 30-minute free parking for tourists, arguing residents benefit from PK cards.

On Espai Capital at Prada Casadet parking, González said the preliminary design nears completion by mid-June, alongside fairground concession planning. Talks with government and Andorra Turisme remain paused but should resume soon to finalize funding shares.

Other approvals included updated subsidy rules raising maximum public funding to 80% for grants over 10,000 euros, a simplified associations registry, and first-quarter 2026 finances showing a 670,763-euro surplus, 18.29 million euros in treasury, and debt at 24.52% of the legal limit.