Hi there,
Living in a village can be a wonderful experience, but, as in any rural environment, sometimes deficiencies in public services can make everyday life more difficult than necessary.
Here is the first part of this post:
On this occasion, I would like to share four complaints I have filed to improve various situations in the village where I live, which affect both the safety and health of the residents. Although these problems are not unique to my village, the lack of response and action on the part of local authorities forces us to speak out.
Poor road conditions
Another problem I have reported to the Provincial Council of Ourense is the condition of the roads in my village. The asphalt was poorly laid, creating an inadequate slope in front of my garage entrance.
This slope causes dirty water from the area, especially from washing machinery and animal excrement, to accumulate at the door of my home, even entering the room where the water, gas, and electricity connections are located. This risk to the health of the home and the safety of the neighbors is completely unacceptable, especially since the village is located in a protected area and should be treated with greater care in terms of infrastructure.
The abandoned heritage fountain
A traditional fountain that has been broken for years. This fountain, which forms part of the village’s cultural heritage, is in a state of complete neglect. A temporary and poorly installed pipe has replaced the original plumbing system, but no repairs have been carried out.
This is a frustrating situation, especially when residents have to comply with strict urban planning and heritage conservation regulations, while the administration seems to ignore its responsibility for public property. I have requested the immediate restoration and repair of the fountain, ensuring that both its functionality and historical value are respected.
Lack of cleaning and maintenance in rural areas
Street cleaning and waste collection in our village are non-existent. Since I arrived, I have not seen any kind of regular cleaning service or street sweeping, which means that it is the residents who must clean the streets and control the vegetation.
This is particularly serious when we are also subject to the same taxes as urban residents, but without enjoying the same services.
The lack of trash cans, recycling bins, and recycling centers further exacerbates the situation, leading to a messy and unhealthy environment. It is essential that the Provincial Council intervene as an intermediary with the Municipality of Cenlle to ensure that basic services are provided to rural residents.
Illegal parking: obstruction and disorder
Finally, one of the most recent problems we have had is the illegal parking of vehicles on one of the main roads in the village, which blocks access to properties and garages.
The lack of signage regarding parking regulations and the absence of measures to regulate the situation have led to chaos. Despite numerous complaints from residents, the local authorities have not taken action on the matter. For this reason, I have requested that appropriate signs be installed, compliance with the regulations be enforced, and measures be taken to ensure safety and order in the area.
These complaints are not only a reflection of the lack of attention on the part of the Cenlle Council, but also of the need for more active intervention by the institutions to ensure that villages and rural areas receive the same services and rights as any other urban area.
From the lack of adequate infrastructure to the neglect of heritage elements, the problems are many and directly affect the quality of life of the residents.
I hope that these actions, once resolved, will not only improve our village, but also serve as an example for other rural areas in Galicia and beyond. At the end of the day, we all deserve to live in a safe, clean, and dignified environment, regardless of whether we live in a city or a village.