Trash accumulates in the streets of Girona after the start of the indefinite strike by cleaning staff this Monday at midnight. The containers are overflowing and bags of waste invade sidewalks in neighborhoods such as San Narciso, Santa Eugenia, and the historic center.
Pedestrians must dodge the waste that partially blocks some sections of the public road. The city's urban image has changed drastically in just a few days.
The conflict erupts before Flower Time
This critical situation coincides with the eve of the Flower Time festival, one of the main tourist attractions in the capital of Girona. The strike began just three days before the start of this massive event.
The minimum services decreed by the regional administration limit the emptying of containers for packaging exclusively to Wednesdays. Paper will only be collected on Thursdays.
"Some minimum services are oversized" - Works council of Girona + Neta
The fraction of packaging and paper has not been collected since the beginning of the strike until the current date. This lack of collection generates a visible accumulation at the usual deposit points.
The City Council demands more frequency in organic waste collection
The City Council held a meeting this afternoon with the works council to evaluate compliance with the agreed-upon services. The municipal stance is far from satisfactory.
The City Council considers the minimum services currently established by the Generalitat insufficient. The accumulation of waste worries the local administration regarding the influx of visitors.
Local authorities have requested that the organic fraction be collected at least every 48 hours. Until now, this collection was carried out on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Businesses report a notable reduction in collection service. This causes the accumulation of cardboard boxes outside businesses, affecting the aesthetics and access to establishments.
"There is no risk to public health due to the situation" - Health sources
Despite the image of abandonment in certain areas, health authorities assure that for the moment there is no risk to public health. Tension between the staff and the administration persists while the city prepares for its floral event.