Badalona City Council approved significant plans for a new public care home and a comprehensive €33 million renovation programme for public schools during its municipal plenary session on Monday, 13 April. These unanimous decisions address long-standing community demands for improved public services and educational infrastructure in the city.
The City Council agreed to provide a disused building or a plot of land within two months to the Government of Catalonia for the construction of a public care home. This move follows a motion raised by municipal groups PSC, Badalona en Comú Podem, and Guanyem Badalona. These groups urged both municipal and regional governments to "expedite the necessary procedures to construct care homes, day centres, and public services." Mayor Xavier García Albiol confirmed the city would make a municipal plot "at the disposal of the Government of Catalonia for the construction of the care home."
This decision unblocks a situation that had caused tension with the Catalan Pensioners' Movement (Marea Pensionista de Catalunya). The movement had urgently demanded such a facility, collecting over 3,000 signatures to support their campaign. The new care home will provide essential services for the elderly population in Badalona, a city with over 220,000 residents.
Major Investment in Public Schools
The plenary session also unanimously approved a plan to address the deterioration and lack of maintenance at Josep Carner school and other public educational centres. Municipal groups PSC, Badalona en Comú Podem, Guanyem Badalona, and ERC jointly called for immediate action. The approved motion includes a full technical audit of the building's condition and the prompt resolution of identified problems.
Comprehensive Renovation Programme
Additionally, the City Council will develop and approve an emergency maintenance and improvement plan for all public schools and institutes. This plan will include a specific calendar and dedicated funding. The plan also considers increasing the budget allocation for school maintenance. It will establish a transparent monitoring system, providing regular updates on progress. Mayor Albiol confirmed the emergency plan would be finalised, reiterating his previous commitment to invest approximately €33 million in the rehabilitation of Badalona's public schools.
Broader Context of Plenary Session
The governing team, led by Mayor Albiol, used its majority to approve these critical initiatives. However, the session also saw the rejection of other motions. These included proposals for the defence of the Catalan language and support for the Correllengua cultural event. Additionally, a motion to support families affected by the tragic collapse on Canigó Street was not approved.
Looking Ahead for Badalona
These approvals mark a significant step towards enhancing public services and infrastructure in Badalona. The City Council's commitment to providing land for the care home and investing substantially in school renovations demonstrates a clear focus on community well-being. Residents can expect to see concrete steps taken in the coming months to implement these vital projects, improving the quality of life for both the elderly and students across the city.
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Originally published by Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life. Read original article.
