The regional Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Rural Development has allocated €1,477,995 to protect Vega Baja University Hospital from the risk of flooding. The scheme will see the construction of a stormwater collection and control basin next to the hospital, designed to store excess rainwater and release it gradually.

The hospital was severely affected during the torrential rains of September 2019. Floodwater inundated the ground floor and several operating theatres after the drainage system became overwhelmed. Road access via the CV-91 was also cut off for several days, disrupting services at a key healthcare facility for the inland Vega Baja region.

The new basin, with a planned capacity of 14,000 cubic metres, will be built on a 17,456 square metre site to the east of the hospital. The project also includes interconnected tanks, perimeter fencing and raising the main access road to prevent floodwater entering the grounds. Water will be discharged in a controlled way into the nearby Azarbe Mayayo channel.

Regional officials say the works are essential to safeguard both the hospital buildings and its role as a strategic public health service. The basin could also be adapted for community use, such as green space or parking, when not required during periods of heavy rain.