Collboni prepares a plan to strengthen Barcelona's mountain districts

The Mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, announces a plan to strengthen the resilience of Horta-Guinardó, Nou Barris, and Sarrià against heavy downpours.

The Mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, stated during the second edition of the meeting “Cities: Barcelona in Depth”, sponsored by Ibercaja, that the city is prepared for torrential rains. He explained that the City Council has built 15 rainwater tanks in recent years, which prevent flooding.

The councillor highlighted the investment made in these infrastructures and described it as a historic record. However, he acknowledged that there are more exposed areas. According to the mayor, vulnerabilities are concentrated in the mountain districts, specifically Horta-Guinardó, Nou Barris, and Sarrià.

For these districts, the council is preparing a plan focused on water resilience. The planned actions include channeling, reviewing basic drainage infrastructures, and roads and pathways. The goal, according to Collboni, is for residents to continue living in their neighbourhoods even as the climate becomes increasingly extreme.

Regarding housing, the mayor defended the rent regulation that has been in place for two years. According to his data, prices have not risen in the city and have decreased by 4.9%, while in other Spanish cities without regulation, they have increased. According to the councillor, there are 2,000 more flats available for rent than two years ago.

Collboni also detailed the increase in protected housing, which has risen from 500 to 1,000 flats per year. Additionally, the City Council has prepared land to build 10,000 more homes during the next term.

“We want Barcelonans to reclaim the historic centre of the city.”

Regarding tourist flats, the mayor confirmed that by 2028 they will disappear, as the City Council will not renew the licenses. He explained that the Constitutional Court ruled in favour of the council against the appeal from the PP. Collboni added that the concentration of these flats creates community living problems.

For the residents of the mountain districts, the plan will entail new works on channels and pathways. The details of the execution schedule have not been specified in the interview.