Sections of the bed of the Santos ravine, located between the Casa del Carnaval and the Serrador bridge, are in a dire state of “neglect,” overtaken by weeds, reed beds, and refuse. This river channel traverses the centre of the capital. The local inhabitants, who previously experienced flooding in 2010 following heavy rain that caused the ravine to overflow, are concerned that if the city council does not take prompt action, a similar event may occur during another downpour. Consequently, they expressed their “frustration” to DIARIO DE AVISOS regarding the municipal indifference in an area that also draws numerous tourists visiting the Casa del Carnaval.
The locals elaborated that, “three years ago, work was conducted at the end of the ravine, and in order to facilitate access for trucks, a portion of the wall was dismantled and a dirt ramp was constructed, which remains in place, along with a recess in the bridge. Gutiérrez Mellado, where debris has accumulated into a mound.”
Compounding this issue is the overgrowth of vegetation and litter that fills portions of the ravine, which the council “fails to clear,” despite the appeals from the affected residents to the Councillor for Public Services, Carlos Tarife. They criticise that Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez claims the city’s ravines are adequately maintained in anticipation of floods, “as the reality is quite the opposite,” residents declared. Meanwhile, Public Services has announced that next Monday, work will commence in the area, involving the removal of the wall and ramp as claimed by the local community.
