Escaldes-Engordany Approves €120K to Upgrade Prat del Roure Football Pitch Turf

The Escaldes-Engordany communal council approved a 120,000-euro credit supplement on Wednesday to replace and upgrade the turf at the Prat del Roure football pitch. Sports councillor Laura López described the facility as one of the parish's most heavily used communal assets, noting that the current surface is fully depreciated after years of intensive play by local children, youth, and sports clubs.

The project will also enlarge the playing area to meet international standards. López said works should finish before the new school year begins, ensuring equitable access for all Escaldes clubs. She rejected a cheaper offer from the Andorran Football Federation (FAF), citing unacceptable scheduling demands that would have disadvantaged parish teams. "We want coverage for all Escaldes clubs," López told the council.

Opposition members, led by councillor Anna Garcia, criticised the decision. They argued the FAF proposal—quoted at between 90,506 and 166,000 euros depending on scope—could have covered Prat del Roure and the Engordany pitch at lower cost, including turf removal and adaptation for seven-a-side football. Garcia urged reconsidering talks with the FAF, saying conclusions drawn by both sides differed. She also questioned why the turf's poor state, known for months, was not budgeted earlier for 2026, calling for more careful financial planning.

In a unanimous vote, the council also greenlit 240,000 euros to upgrade its data processing centre. Minor consul Quim Dolsa said the machine replacement would shift operations from a small-business setup to a professional one, enabling 24/7 performance with stability and security for a decade.

Another unanimous approval amended the tax ordinance to clarify rules on public space occupation fees, hygiene and lighting charges, and towing services. For impounded vehicles at the communal depot, a fixed 154-euro monthly fee now applies, capped at 20% of the vehicle's value. Dolsa explained the change prevents excessive bills that previously deterred owners from retrieving their cars.