The Hydrographic Confederation of the Tagus (CHT) has initiated a file of sanctions against the Community of Madrid for occupation of canals for the reconstruction of bridges which devastated the DANA of September 2023 in the southeastern municipalities of the region like Aldea del Fresno. Concretely, the agency reporting to the Ministry of Ecological Transition proposed a fine of 4,500 euros to the Community of Madrid. Sources from the department he heads Therese Ribera They state that this is a “normal process when dealing with emergency works”.
In addition, they reported that after the DANA, the Community of Madrid launched a significant number of actions in the area around the Alberche River and its tributaries which, in coordination with the CHT, were initiated in a context emergency and as part of emergency treatment. in the corresponding files.
In this specific case, they explained that the file was resolved by filing because the applicant had not provided the required documents, which resulted in “the absence of a legalization procedure for this specific action and the opening of the corresponding sanction file”.
The sanction file dated September 27, 2024 is due to a minor administrative infraction for the occupation of the Arroyo Grande canal through the construction of two temporary bridges without authorization or administrative concession of the said body.
The CHT emphasized that the Community of Madrid treated these actions in an emergency context and accepted the urgent treatment of the corresponding files. However, they stressed that this situation does not exempt from the need to obtain authorization for the work, whether started or completed. Regardless, the sanction case is being processed and until it is resolved, no comment is appropriate on this matter.
Sources from the Ministry of Housing, Transport and Infrastructure which he heads Jorge Rodrigo argued that they would present allegations and, if necessary, a appeal against the resolutionwhich, they point out, ignores the agreement that the Community has concluded with the central government for the reconstruction of the bridges.
The proposal for sanctions, which comes a year and a half after the DANA which affected the south-east of the region in 2023, thus ignores the agreement concluded just ten days after the events occurred by Councilor Rodrigo, government delegate in Madrid . Francisco Martinand the president of the Tajo Hydrographic Confederation, Antonio Yanezthey emphasize from the ministry.
The Community defends itself
The Government of the Community of Madrid assures that it has provided an agile and effective response to the damage caused by the heavy rains. “In less than a year, we have invested 60 million euros in actions to return to normal in the 10 affected municipalities. “We have built 3 bridges and repaired 7 roads, among other urgent actions,” says Ayuso executive spokesperson, Miguel Ángel García Martínat the end of the Government Council held this Wednesday.
He assures that to date, all actions have been carried out thanks to the efforts of the Community of Madrid and the town halls and without help from the central government. “What is clear is that without the Sánchez government and the government delegation, the towns in the southwest of the region would still be isolated.”
Although it declared the region as an area seriously affected by a civil protection emergency, The Community of Madrid has not yet received funds from the central governmentwhich should cover up to 50% of the investment costs.
