Residents of Orihuela Costa have come together to voice their concerns about the severely deteriorating roads in the area. In response to what they see as inaction from the local council, nearly one hundred residents have participated in creating an interactive map highlighting numerous potholes across fourteen different areas, with one hundred and seventy critical spots identified. The community association ‘Unidos por la Costa’ concludes that there are over five hundred potholes remaining in the nearly seven hundred streets and avenues along the coast needing urgent repairs.

The residents have sent a letter to Mayor Pepe Vegara, indicating that he has not been responsive to the needs of the coastal area. They are requesting an emergency contract to address these urgent issues before Easter, citing neglect and the serious risks these potholes pose to both residents and property. They warn that continued inaction may lead to significant financial claims against the council due to damage caused by the poor road conditions.

Moreover, the conditions of the roads have become so dire in certain locations that residents describe some streets, such as Calle Pavo Real, as resembling a ‘war zone.’ This street provides access to the only secondary school in the area, which is heavily trafficked by hundreds of vehicles and school buses daily. Similarly, the busy Villamartín road experiences frequent accidents and also urgently requires renovations.

Despite the council’s plans to invest approximately two point three million euros in four tenders throughout the year, residents assert that delays continue and the municipal team lacks transparency. The community association has repeatedly requested technical reports detailing the criteria for maintenance, but these documents remain unavailable. With frustrations mounting, local residents have even taken it upon themselves to fill in potholes as an immediate solution.