The works to consolidate and compact the ground affected by the Putxet sinkhole in Barcelona will now be carried out non-stop, 24 hours a day. This measure aims to accelerate the operations before the conclusions scheduled for Saturday.
The new intensive phase of the works will require more frequent access to the affected homes. To facilitate this, the Guardia Urbana will safeguard the keys to the buildings and premises, thus avoiding constant contact with residents. The local police have promised a clear methodology for controlling access and the ownership of each key.
This increased pace could affect the sporadic access of evacuated residents to their homes to retrieve belongings or handle urgent matters. During the first 72 hours, the Barcelona Firefighters had already accompanied 66 people to their residences. Now, access will be subject to the availability of machinery and operations on the ground.
The information meeting for those affected, held at the Vil·la Florida civic center, outlined that the actions are divided into monitoring, complementary works, and technical inspections of the buildings. Technicians conveyed a message of reassurance, indicating a decrease in the rate of settlement and anticipating a rapid stabilization of movements.
The City Council, through Barcelona Activa, will offer business advisory services to affected business owners, such as the Verona pizzeria. This service arises from the meeting held by Mayor Jaume Collboni with shopkeepers and representatives of the Sant Gervasi Market.
Regarding rehousing, the Barcelona Social Emergency and Urgency Center (CUESB) has assisted 85 people, although few have required temporary accommodation. Most affected individuals have found their own alternatives, although renters have expressed greater difficulties as their insurance does not always cover such situations. Six families are being housed in hotels at the expense of the L9 constructors.
