THE RISK OF SOCIAL DIVISION IN BENITATXELL

 

A municipality with its inhabitants turning their backs on each other

El Poble Nou de Benitatxell has two clearly differentiated areas: the village and the large residential development of Cumbre del Sol, separated geographically by the Puig de la Llorença mountain peak 445 metres above sea level and socially by a language barrier. The village houses several generations of local residents, while most of the residents of Cumbre del Sol are foreigners. The distance between the two communities has increased rather than decreased over the last 50 years when urban development began.

Municipal officials from the various administrations have not shown any particular or sustained interest in promoting the social integration of both communities.

All administrative and commercial services are concentrated in the village, and all social and cultural activities organised by the council or associations take place there, whether in the social centre, the library, the squares, the sports area or on the streets.

💰Fiscal imbalance

Cumbre del Sol is, due to its size and number of inhabitants, the most populated area of the municipality and the largest contributor to the municipal coffers. Without Cumbre del Sol, the Town Council would not be able to finance the services it offers. It is well known among residents that investments are made in the village whereas the majority of the income comes from Cumbre del Sol.

Only 20% of foreigners are registered on the electoral roll.

Only 20% of foreign residents are registered to vote, despite being legally entitled to do so, and the Town Council secures substantial revenue without making any investment in Cumbre del Sol in return, and without incurring any electoral cost.  This figure serves as a clarifying example: 75% of tourist accommodation is concentrated in Cumbre del Sol, and the rubbish collection tax has risen in the last 3 years from €128.50 up to €812, without any backlash and without the council having to pay any price for it. For municipal officials, the situation is quite convenient.  

The electoral programmes of the parties represented in the municipality do not even rarely include measures in favour of Cumbre del Sol and if they do they are for tourist activity.

Risk of social fracture

Municipal officials have a duty to lead social integration efforts and reverse this situation in order to prevent social division. If we continue to live with our backs turned on each other, it won't be long before we become strangers to one another.

The multicultural and multilingual social reality is not reflected in the Town Council's organisational chart. There are no foreign councillors, nor is there a specific council department for urban developments or foreign residents, despite the fact that they represent almost 70% of the population. Instead, we are being governed by and for the locals, who represent 30% of the municipality's inhabitants. 

Social inclusion of the foreign population

The right to use Valencian and Spanish should not be exclusive to the social reality of a 70% foreign population not fluent in both languages. Locals and foreigners should meet halfway. The Council must lead the effort to bring both communities closer together and foreign residents are advised to learn Spanish. Bridging the gap is everyone's responsibility.

Venue for cultural events in Cumbre del Sol

There is no rule requiring all social, cultural or religious events to be held only  in the village. Cumbre del Sol has two streets at the El Puig building area, 230 metres long and 16 metres and 25 metres wide respectively, which could be used to host outdoor cultural events on an alternating basis with the village.

• Outdoor events: Celebration of festivals, markets, music and dancing at the El Puig building area

• Indoor events: The Puig building could be used to host conferences and exhibitions. However, it needs investment: an acoustics tecnician is needed to rectify the echos, decoration, catering facilities.

The Council has a responsibilty for all its residents

• Carry out campaigns to register residents and voters with the technical support of the INE (National Statistics Institute), as stipulated by law
• Fulfil its obligations to maintain and repair roads
• Release of the plan for cyclical weed clearing routes 
• Release of the plan for the removal of dead pine trees
• Improvements to water supply
• Provide and maintain public lighting
• Ensure an efficient waste collection and recycling system
• Install speed cameras on the busiest streets
• Renew street signage
• Comply with transparency laws
• Encourage citizen participation
• Implementing a translation service of plenary sessions
• Create a Council for foreign residents/urbanizations with social integration programmes

Duties & rights of Cumbre del Sol residents

• To register on the municipal register (Padrón) and electoral roll
• To show a proactive interest in improving the urbanization
• Avoid social exclusion of the elderly population on linguistic and cultural grounds
• Participate in activities in the village
• Participate in and/or organise community activities across Cumbre

Social reality is multicultural and multilingual. Minorities must be respected, but so must majorities.

Let's make the whole Benitatxell municipality a shining example of community life!

© OVFC. All rights reserved.