Badalona City Council has installed approximately twenty concrete blocks under the C-31 motorway bridge, completely blocking access to an area. This space was previously occupied by homeless individuals who had been evicted from the B9 squat. This action follows the controversial 24 March eviction of the large informal settlement.
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The council, led by Mayor Xavier Garcia Albiol, stated the blocks prevent vehicles from entering the lower underpass area. Urban Guard patrols also monitor the space. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has criticised Mayor Albiol for allegedly failing to comply with a judicial order regarding the B9 eviction.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office stated, “They remained on the street despite the inclement weather,” referring to the evicted immigrants. This highlights the ongoing scrutiny of the council’s actions.
Council Blocks Underpass Access
Badalona, a city bordering Barcelona with over 220,000 residents, saw the B9 squat eviction leave dozens homeless. The B9 squat was Catalonia’s largest undocumented immigrant settlement. Some individuals subsequently settled under the C-31 bridge.
Initially, the council cleared and disinfected the bridge area, citing concerns about toxic products. They described this as a temporary measure. However, Mayor Albiol maintained the council would not mobilise municipal resources to offer alternative housing for those affected.
Public Prosecutor Challenges Council’s Actions
The Public Prosecutor’s Office concluded that the court order authorising the eviction was “not considered fulfilled.” This was because the council did not offer “effective aid” to the affected individuals. The prosecutor’s report noted that most individuals remained “in a street situation despite the inclement weather.”
They were first around the building and then under the C-31 motorway bridge. The report specifically mentioned “without any support or effective help from the council.” This ongoing scrutiny highlights the contentious nature of the council’s approach to homelessness in Badalona.
Future of Homeless Support in Badalona
The council’s decision to permanently block access to the underpass area reinforces its stance on not providing direct residential alternatives. This situation continues to draw criticism from legal bodies and social advocates. It raises questions about the city’s long-term strategy for supporting vulnerable populations.
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Originally published by VilaWeb Feed. Read original article.
