The TSJC has confirmed the awarding of a street cleaning contract to Eurolimpiezas in Mollerussa, dismissing a challenge from rival Servicios Lic 1999. This decision reinforces the municipality's commitment to efficient public services.
The Tribunal Superior de Justicia de Catalunya (TSJC) has upheld the decision made by the Mollerussa City Council to award a significant street cleaning contract to Eurolimpiezas y Logística SL. The ruling, issued earlier this month, dismissed an appeal from Servicios Lic 1999 SLU, which sought to overturn the contract awarded in July 2023.
This legal battle began when Mollerussa published its tender for street cleaning services on February 6, 2023. The estimated value of the three-year contract was approximately 1.26 million euros. Only two companies submitted bids for this competitive process. After careful evaluation, the council awarded the contract to Eurolimpiezas at the end of July.
Servicios Lic 1999 challenged this decision, arguing that Eurolimpiezas had not sufficiently demonstrated its technical solvency as required by the tender specifications. They claimed that much of Eurolimpiezas’ previous work involved cleaning farms and private facilities rather than municipal street cleaning.
However, both the Catalan Public Contracts Tribunal and now the TSJC have ruled that these arguments were not decisive. The courts found that Eurolimpiezas met all necessary qualifications as outlined in the bidding documents.
A notable aspect of this case involved environmental criteria within the tender process. Companies could earn additional points for having photovoltaic installations capable of charging electric vehicles used in their services. While Servicios Lic provided proof of using 100% renewable energy, they failed to demonstrate ownership of such an installation and consequently received no points in this category. The TSJC deemed this a significant shortcoming rather than a correctable error.
The court’s ruling also included an order for Servicios Lic to pay 4,000 euros in legal costs, which will be shared equally between them and Mollerussa City Council.
This decision is particularly relevant as it underscores ongoing efforts by municipalities across Catalonia to prioritize sustainable practices while ensuring competitive procurement processes are upheld. In recent years, similar disputes have emerged over public contracts across various sectors, highlighting tensions between cost efficiency and environmental responsibility.
The ruling can still be appealed before Spain’s Supreme Court; however, for now, residents can expect continued improvements in their street cleanliness as Eurolimpiezas begins its service under this confirmed contract.
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