Andorra la Vella Approves €478K Plaza Expansion and Infrastructure Upgrades

**Title:** Andorra la Vella Comú Approves Contract Expansions for Plaza Reforms and Key Infrastructure Projects **Summary:** Capital parish council expands plaza renovation contract by €478,209 to address water leaks and technical issues, while approving forest access path and water pumping station upgrades amid minority abstentions.

**Body:** Andorra la Vella's Comú has approved a €478,209 contract expansion for ongoing reforms to Plaça del Poble and Plaça Vinyes, awarded directly to Constructora SIDECO SL. Cònsol Major Sergi González described the work as essential technical adjustments identified during execution, aimed at ensuring functionality before final handover.

Key changes include reconfiguring roof slopes on three buildings to unify pavement and improve water drainage, after original designs failed to support seamless surfacing. Additional upgrades cover a new 86-square-metre stage, 20-square-metre ramp, 115-square-metre planters, children's play area enhancements, and lighting pole repairs—issues like a "starry sky" effect from faulty bulbs. The expansion equals 18.47% of the project's roughly €3 million total cost. González noted these steps address water infiltration problems affecting Vinyes parking and the Congress Centre, with the parking owners seeking €6,200 in compensation for physical and reputational damage.

Minority councillor Miquel Canturri abstained, citing recent snow-related leaks in Plaça Vinyes and warning of prolonged delays pending Batllia involvement. He urged accountability from the contractor and Comú technicians, emphasising impacts on affected parties, and noted the parking owners have pursued legal action.

In the same session, the council greenlit two further projects. A €376,006 first phase will create a 340-400 metre firebreak and forest path in Solobre woods, between La Comella and Santa Coloma, easing firefighter access during fires while opening the underused area to residents. The circular trail divides into three phases.

Separately, a €409,703 partial award targets renewal of the 25-year-old water pumping station at Estadi Comunal Joan Samarra Vila. Counsellor for Public Services and Environment Jordi Cabanes highlighted gains in safety, reliability, efficiency, and energy savings—potentially 20%—with revenue from generated power.

The Comú also introduced rules against disruptive shop queues, requiring owners to manage lines with barriers and staff, maintaining 1.5-metre (or 90cm on narrow pavements) clearance for pedestrians. Recurrent queues over 30 minutes face fines from €500 to €3,000, escalating for repeat offences, potentially leading to temporary closures via government coordination. Opposition pointed to a popular creperie near the Rotonda, drawing crowds including tourists, as a key concern.