Contract with private company
Last July, Orihuela Town Council began the tendering process to update the urban tourist signage in Orihuela Costa, with a budget of €288,018 and a completion period of five months.
This project is being developed thanks to European Union funds (Next Generation) and is part of the Spanish government's Ministry of Industry and Tourism's tourism transformation strategy, within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.
Thirteen companies submitted bids for the contract, among which the municipal technical services selected the bid from Señalizaciones Villar S.A., which was awarded the contract for €193,473.01 with a completion period of three months.
The contract was formalised on 11 November, and from this date there is one month to sign the site survey verification report. Once this report has been signed, the deadline for completion of the works will be three months.
Very poor signage
The condition of much of the signage throughout Orihuela Costa is very poor. We trust that with the execution of this contract, all areas in dire need of clear and visible signage will be covered.
A clear example is calle Paraná, one of the main thoroughfares in Orihuela Costa and the most direct route from La Zenia to La Florida or Los Altos, where we find some signs that are illegible or missing. Anyone unfamiliar with the area will have to follow the directions on private business advertising signs.
Will they reach all areas?
We wonder if the renewal of the signs will reach all areas or will it only be around the N332?
There are many places on the Orihuela coast where there are no signs or they are in poor condition. Fortunately, we are now in the low season and it is not a time of high tourist traffic in our area.
Let's hope that by 2026, visitors will find clear signs to avoid the confusion faced by those who are unfamiliar with the area.
At one of the busiest roundabouts in Orihuela Costa, where the Saturday market begins, located on the route between the town hall and the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre, we currently have some signs in a sorry state. This is a good example of how those who are unfamiliar with the area will need to drive around in circles until they decide which exit to take.
It is also unlikely that a local police patrol will be nearby to provide information, as Orihuela Costa is a large area and there are few officers on duty at any given time.
When will the footbridge over the AP 7 be ready?
And what about the bridge over the AP 7 that provides access to Lomas de Cabo Roig, Lomas de Don Juan and other residential areas near the golf courses?
For all these areas, the most direct access to the beach is via the aforementioned bridge, but its condition is deplorable and poses a great danger to pedestrians, cyclists, etc.
Lomas de Cabo Roig is one of those places where, sadly, we are used to seeing overflowing rubbish bins that are not collected regularly, but perhaps even worse is the fact that the signs are in such poor condition, as this also poses a danger.
Zebra crossings with signage that is very worn and road markings that are barely visible. In addition to the consequent danger, it gives a sad image of neglect.
Is public transport just a dream on our coast?
A large number of the residents of Orihuela Costa are elderly, and when they can no longer renew their driving licences, they resort to electric scooters, which make it easier for them to get around and continue living independently.
What can people living in the aforementioned residential areas do? Remain isolated, depend on a family member, or pay for a taxi to get around?
Let us not forget that urban buses in Orihuela Costa are conspicuous by their absence.
It is abundantly clear that the residents of Orihuela Costa are being completely ignored. We know that the beaches are a tourist attraction, but this area is much more than that.
The extensive Orihuela Costa is a place where many people live all year round or for most of the year, and they need the services that a place of this size can provide.
This part of the municipality contributes very substantial revenue to the council, but it does not receive the compensation it deserves.
