Twenty families in Barcelona's Sant Gervasi-La Bonanova will remain displaced until early next year due to ongoing repairs from a significant sinkhole. The situation highlights the challenges of urban infrastructure maintenance.
The aftermath of a major sinkhole in Barcelona’s Putxet neighborhood continues to disrupt the lives of local residents, with twenty families facing an extended displacement that could last until early 2027. Initially evacuated in July, these families are now grappling with the uncertainty of when they can return home as repair work progresses.
The affected area includes three residential blocks on Teodora Lamadrid and Rubinstein streets, which were among those impacted by construction related to the L9 metro line. The situation escalated when a significant cavity formed in a local pizzeria’s restroom, prompting immediate evacuation measures for nearly one hundred residents.
“The news has hit us hard,” said Domingo Finez, owner of Pizzeria Verona, where the sinkhole first emerged. “We were told we could return by September, but now we must wait longer.”
Pilar Díaz, the delegate of the Catalan government in Barcelona, has taken on the role of spokesperson for this crisis. She emphasized that safety is paramount and assured residents that work is being conducted around the clock to stabilize the area. “The priority is ensuring everyone’s safety,” she stated during a recent meeting with affected residents.
While four out of eight buildings have already been cleared for re-entry, including one set to welcome back its residents by October, many others remain inaccessible. Approximately 62% of those initially displaced have yet to return home.
The ongoing repairs involve complex engineering efforts aimed at reinforcing the ground beneath these buildings. Ramon Ramírez, director general of Mobility Infrastructure for the Generalitat, noted that crews have been working tirelessly throughout summer months. “Our focus has shifted back to localized concrete injections after initial drilling efforts,” he explained.
This incident not only affects local families but also disrupts businesses like Finez’s pizzeria. Once bustling with customers, it now stands silent as workers clad in protective gear manage repair operations instead of serving pizza.
“We’ve had no choice but to adapt,” Finez added. “But it’s tough seeing our community struggle.”
The tunnel boring machine known as Hospi, which was scheduled to continue its work on the L9 line next year, remains idle until ground stabilization is complete. This delay mirrors historical challenges faced during urban development projects across Europe where unforeseen geological issues have led to prolonged disruptions.
The Generalitat and city officials are providing support for displaced residents during this challenging time. They have established communication channels allowing families access to their homes under supervision for essential items like clothing before winter sets in.
“We understand how difficult this situation is,” Díaz remarked while addressing concerns from residents about their belongings and living conditions.
This ongoing saga serves as a stark reminder of how urban infrastructure projects can significantly impact communities and highlights the need for thorough planning and rapid response mechanisms when emergencies arise. As repairs continue into 2027, affected families are left hoping for swift resolutions so they can reclaim their homes and lives disrupted by this unexpected crisis.
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