The Mequinenza Town Council has issued a statement explaining the reasons for its non-participation in the events of this edition
STATEMENT FROM THE MEQUINENZA TOWN COUNCIL:
The Mequinenza Town Council hereby announces its decision not to participate in the official ceremonies of the 25th International Descent of the Cinca River, organized by the Bajo Cinca Region. This institutional absence was already evident at the press conference presenting the 2024 edition of the race, held on August 14th at the regional headquarters, where there was no representation. This decision stems from two main reasons, which have been communicated to the regional president, Javier Ferrer, and which are directly related to the opening of the "Magda Godia" Senior Citizens' Residence and Day Center in Mequinenza.
The first reason relates to the lack of concrete action from the regional government team, ten months after the initial meeting, regarding the Mequinenza Town Council's request for collaboration in equipping this essential infrastructure. The facility, which represents an investment of over €8 million and whose construction is now complete, offers 78 residential places and 39 day center places, will create 40 direct jobs, and will serve residents of the Bajo Cinca region and neighboring towns.
The second issue concerns the nature of certain unacceptable statements made by representatives of the parties in the People's Party – Entre Todos Bajo Cinca coalition, which holds the regional government. These statements, made in various public forums, such as regional council meetings, plenary sessions, and even on social media, are solely intended to sow discord among the municipalities, damaging the coexistence and collaboration that are fundamental for shared development and the cohesion of the region. This institutional commitment and cooperation has always been present among the towns of Bajo Cinca and has been demonstrated in initiatives such as the organization of the International Descent of the Cinca River.
The origin of this situation dates back to the decision by the current governing team in the Bajo Cinca region to nullify a Regional Council agreement adopted in April 2023, at the end of the previous legislative term. That agreement included a budget allocation of €670.000 to equip the "Magda Godia" Residence and Day Center. Subsequently, in March of this year, no funding was included in the 2024 regional budget for this purpose, which would have allowed the agreements to be fulfilled and the request from the Mequinenza Town Council to be addressed.
Despite repeated requests, proposals, and offers made at various meetings held since the end of October 2023, no significant progress has been made to provide the necessary impetus for launching this essential residential and day center service, which is crucial for the well-being and improved quality of life of our senior citizens and, by extension, their families. However, it is fair to acknowledge that some progress has been made in recent months, coinciding with the International Descent of the Cinca River, although further details are still pending.
The absence of municipal representatives from the official ceremonies of the 25th International Descent of the Cinca River is a necessary measure to express the discontent and concern of the City Council, local associations, and residents of Mequinenza. The support traditionally provided to the event has also been drastically reduced due to the inability to cover the associated costs, as these resources have been directly allocated to equipping the "Magda Godia" Senior Citizens' Residence and Day Center in an effort to expedite its opening.
However, the use of one of the pontoons at the finish line has been facilitated, currently displaced from its usual location due to the sediment transport tests being carried out by the Ebro Hydrographic Confederation (CHE) at the Municipal Regatta Field, the showers of the Municipal Gymnasium, with the participants in mind, the truck parking lot, the premises of the Capri Club and the facilities traditionally used by the judges of the event.
The Mequinenza City Council deeply regrets the situation, thanks all citizens for their understanding and support in this decision, and emphasizes that it will continue working to defend the interests of the people of Mequinenza, extending a hand to reach agreements that guarantee respectful and fair treatment.
