Persistent water leaks have caused significant damage and power outages in the underground car park beneath Vista Park square, located in Barcelona's Can Baró neighbourhood. Car park owners have repeatedly urged the City Council to address the worsening issue, which stems from deficient waterproofing of the square above, impacting daily life for residents who rely on the 140-space facility.
Car Park Owners Demand Action
The leaks manifest as damp walls, continuous drips, and standing water in several areas of the car park. This problematic situation has persisted for years, worsening significantly after intense rainfall experienced last winter. Manel Álvarez, a member of the car park owners' board, explained to Infobarris, "When it rains heavily, water stagnates on the surface and slowly filters through various points of the car park."
These filtrations have caused substantial damage to the car park's facilities, affecting both its structure and critical electrical boxes. For example, water damaged thick low-voltage cables in January, causing a power cut in a nearby residential block and requiring firefighters to intervene. Additionally, some users have installed metal covers and small pipes above their parking spaces to divert the falling water, a clear sign of the ongoing problem.
Long-Standing Leakage Issues
The Vista Park underground car park, constructed in 1995, provides 140 parking spaces distributed across a single level. It experienced water leakage problems from its initial operation. Following several legal disputes with the original construction company, a 2002 court ruling ordered the company to compensate the owners with €400,000. In 2010, the owners' board transferred this sum to the Barcelona City Council. The City Council then contributed a similar amount, bringing the total to €800,000, specifically for the reurbanisation of the square. This project aimed to resolve the rainwater drainage problem permanently.
Failed Reurbanisation Efforts
The square's reurbanisation project took place in 2012. City Council sources explained that watertightness tests conducted at that time yielded favourable results. However, despite these efforts, leaks have reappeared with greater intensity in recent years, leading to the severe conditions observed today. This ongoing issue highlights the challenges of maintaining urban infrastructure in a city prone to heavy rainfall.
City Council Investigations Underway
Municipal technicians have carried out specific, targeted actions to improve the square's canalisation and address the recurring problem. Currently, the Horta-Guinardó district is preparing a detailed technical report to identify the exact origin of the filtrations. In May, excavations will take place at three specific points in the square. These investigations will determine the full scope of the necessary intervention and help assign responsibilities for the repairs.
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Originally published by betevé. Read original article.
