The damage occurred in one of the stairwells undergoing renovation, affected by aluminosis, where rain filtered through, causing leaks, wet walls, and electrical supply issues on the two upper floors. These works are part of the regeneration plan promoted by the Barcelona City Council, conceived in 2020, which is expected to extend to fifty stairwells.
The neighborhood association SOS Besòs/Maresme severely criticized the Municipal Institute of Urbanism (IMU) for not suspending the residents' return “despite knowing that waterproofing had not been completed and the forecast of rain.” The entity specifies that the postponement affects at least three households scheduled to return between Tuesday and Wednesday.
“"It is inexplicable that they decided to proceed with the transfers, especially knowing that the waterproofing had not been carried out, that there were already visible damp patches in the homes, and the level of habitability precariousness of a completely dismantled dwelling."
The consistory responded that the rehabilitation of that stairwell began on the upper floors and that waterproofing works were covered with tarps. The City Council argues that the heavy downpours caused these protective tarps to be insufficient and the drains to become obstructed, leading to water entering the fifth-floor homes.
In addition to the flooding, SOS Besòs/Maresme reports that the apartments are being delivered in poor condition, mentioning deteriorated furniture, doors that do not close properly, damaged ceramic hobs, and a lack of internet connection or TV antenna in some cases. The City Council expects to complete the full roof waterproofing by Thursday at the latest.
