Approximately twenty residents who have occupied seven buildings in the La Mina neighborhood of Sant Adrià de Besòs since 2017 protested this Tuesday in the lobby of the Department of Social Rights. Their main demand is for housing solutions, as they face an impending eviction that could affect 58 families. The protestors chanted "we want what's ours, water, light, and a roof," calling for access to social rent to avoid homelessness.
The Housing Union has denounced that the eviction operation, justified to rehouse residents from the Venus building, aims to "hide and expel misery." The union demands "direct negotiation to find real solutions for all affected families." Representatives of the residents and the union have met with departmental officials.
The protest, supported by members of the Housing Union of Verneda and Besòs, brought together some of the 58 families who have occupied the so-called Rambla blocks for years. After negotiating social rent, these families have received eviction notices in recent weeks.
“"From the Department, they have reiterated their decision to evict the occupants of the seven buildings, whatever their situation, because the homes are intended for the occupants of the Venus building. We understand the complexity of the situation, but we believe there is a different way to act. Each case must be studied, and in cases of vulnerability, alternatives must be offered that respect everyone's rights."
The union's spokesperson reported that a four-way meeting has been requested, without a firm commitment, with the Sant Adrià de Besòs City Council, the Consorci de la Mina, and the Department of Social Rights itself as mediator. The importance of mediation and opening a negotiation channel to find a peaceful solution has been emphasized.
Finally, it was recalled that the Department of Social Rights "has the tools to resolve a situation it helped create by not allocating the flats when it should have" and has been asked to make an effort to avoid conflict among neighborhood residents.
