Andorra Releases Capacity Reports for Six Parishes, Excludes Delinquent Escaldes-Engordany

The Andorran government has issued mandatory reports on the maximum carrying capacity studies for six of the country's seven parishes, excluding Escaldes-Engordany, which has yet to provide requested supplementary information.

During a press conference following Wednesday's Council of Ministers meeting, government spokesperson Guillem Casal announced the release of the reports after confirming that the Escaldes-Engordany local council, led by Rosa Gili, had not submitted the additional data demanded months ago. "The rest have been able to provide it. Escaldes has not, and we could not issue the relevant report," Casal stated.

To avoid delaying a process deemed essential for national territorial planning, the government proceeded with the other six parishes. The studies, required under the 2022 Law for the Promotion of Sustainability in Urban Development and Tourism, assess each parish's ability to handle projected population growth over the next decade. They examine key infrastructure including water supply, wastewater management, energy distribution, waste handling, mobility, land and aggregate management, and other services affecting quality of life.

The reports, incorporating government observations, will now return to the respective parish councils for final approval and integration into their urban planning documents. Once approved locally, the government plans a comprehensive national carrying capacity study, including tourism sector findings.

Casal expressed no surprise at Escaldes-Engordany's delay, noting it was the last parish to submit initial studies a year ago. He urged the council to comply with the legal obligation, adding that parties within its majority often advocate for sustainable growth and planning yet have not followed through. "The vast majority of parishes, with one exception, are committed to the country's sustainable development," he remarked.

This marks a renewed point of contention, as Escaldes-Engordany was previously the final parish to deliver documentation during the initial phase last December. Gili had then described the work as conducted with maximum diligence. Authorities have not detailed reasons for the current holdup.