Ordino Comú Reviews Mid-Term Wins in Infrastructure and Economic Push

Ordino Comú Reviews Mid-Term Progress with Infrastructure and Economic Advances

Ordino's Comú has reached the midpoint of its mandate, reviewing achievements such as the new Pla d’Ordenació i Urbanisme Parroquial (POUP) approval, water network duplication, parish nucleus upgrades, and parking expansions, while prioritizing economic diversification and resident outreach. Cònsol Major Maria del Mar Coma outlined these in an Andorran News Agency interview, emphasizing clearer communication via social media amid low attendance at village gatherings.

Economic challenges dominate discussions, with Coma warning of risks from heavy reliance on construction and tourism, exposed during the pandemic. Current revenues depend almost entirely on building activity, prompting efforts to attract non-polluting sectors like technology that draw skilled workers. She described the abandoned Grífols project as a significant loss, not just for the facility but as a magnet for further investment.

Infrastructure projects advanced during Sunday's Sants Inocents session. The Consell approved a €962,000 credit supplement—€206,000 over the €800,000 initial allocation—to finish phase 3 and award phase 1 of the water network duplication. This separates a single pipe from Llorts into transport and distribution lines, with the new segment running from the Ordino cemetery roundabout toward Sornàs over 24 weeks. Annual spending of €800,000 to €1 million will extend the multi-year effort, potentially four more years at minimum.

A €2.086 million contract for a 100-space surface parking lot at Plana dels Camps, spanning nearly 3,000 square metres over 32 weeks, replaced a pricier underground plan budgeted at €5 million. Additional parking enhancements target Prat de Call and Prat de Vilella, alongside landscaped areas. The socio-health centre progresses via public-private partnerships, with tender documents eyed for 2027.

Tourism set records, including 70,000 summer visitors to Arcalís and strong numbers on the Ferro route, though hotel shortages hinder off-peak stays. The 2026 budget projects €4.7 million in investments, funded by treasury surpluses without new borrowing, keeping debt below legal limits.

The POUP faces administrative appeals from landowners challenging the CTU's validation. Coma defended it as protecting the general interest, open to minor CTU revisions but rejecting broader challenges, which may reach the Batllia. Minority councillor Enric Dolsa called the law clear and actions appropriate.

Future focus includes completing water works, renovating Cortinada's old quarter, maintaining the Ordino Sports Centre, improving Clota Verda, and advancing heritage sites like Casa Rossell through government collaboration. Coma sidestepped re-election questions, noting two years remain.