Orihuela Council has started new cleaning and maintenance work on urban riverbeds along the municipality’s coastal strip, aimed at restoring drainage capacity, preventing flooding and improving environmental conditions.

The project follows earlier work in inland areas and is being carried out under an agreement with the Segura River Authority (CHS). The contract, awarded to Ubercon, has a budget of around 230,000 euros, with 60% funded by the council and 40% by the CHS. The works are expected to last approximately three months.

Crews are focusing on the Río Nacimiento in Campoamor, the Rambla de las Estacas and the Barranco Rubio. Tasks include mechanical clearance of invasive vegetation, removal of sediment and plant debris, and the authorised disposal of waste. Officials say heavy vegetation and rubbish reduce water flow and increase the risk of flooding during intense rainfall.

The councillor for the Environment, Noelia Grao, said the work is essential to improve safety and ensure riverbeds function properly during storms. She added that the measures are preventive and designed to reduce the risk of overflow in residential areas.