The Lorca Municipal Council convened for its February plenary session on the 24th, 2025, under the leadership of Mayor Fulgencio Gil Jódar. This meeting was marked by significant discussions surrounding environmental protection, improvements to local services, and various proposals aimed at addressing community concerns.
A notable accomplishment was the initial approval of modifications to the General Plan to protect the Cerro del Tornajo area. This change, described by José Baraza, Vice President of the Federación de Espartaria, as the result of nearly eight years of advocacy, will convert 920 hectares of unsuitable non-urbanizable land to protected status due to its environmental significance. Baraza expressed relief, stating, “Today we can breathe easier.”
Mayor Gil Jódar heralded the approval as a “historic milestone,” emphasizing the importance of conserving this area rich with ecological, scenic, and heritage value. The new protections will prohibit the establishment of large-scale agricultural enterprises, biogas plants, or photovoltaic installations for at least two years, allowing time for permanent measures to be finalized.
Sitting alongside the discussion of environmental protections, the council addressed judicial improvements, which included the proposal to reconfigure the local gender violence court. The council unanimously supported this effort and other motions aimed at enhancing judicial services within the municipality.
Health services were also at the forefront of discussions, with local leaders, particularly from the Socialist and United Left groups, calling for the hiring of additional health personnel to meet regional standards. This measure was met with strong support, reflecting community needs for accessible healthcare.
The session also turned attention to water supply management, particularly addressing outdated infrastructure affecting the pedanía of La Paca. Locals have expressed serious concerns over aging pipes, many made with materials containing asbestos. Local community leader Mario Antoni remarked, “The pipes have outlived their usefulness... everyone promises heaven and earth, but it always remains just words.” Despite these pleas for urgent action, motions to address these issues were rejected, indicating significant political divides.
Adding to the atmosphere were protests outside the session involving several local groups. Workers from Limusa, the municipal cleaning service company, demonstrated against staffing shortages and the demand for fair treatment following sanctions imposed on some of their coworkers. The atmosphere was charged as protesters filled the plaza outside the council, raising their voices for immediate action.
Simultaneously, municipal musicians protested against budget reallocations they believe threaten the future of the municipal band. One musician, Gerardo Pelegrín, implored the council to allow the community to decide the fate of the band, claiming, “The band is not the property of the council but of the people.”
The council’s diverse agenda at this plenary session illustrated the pressing issues facing Lorca; yet, it was also filled with contention. While many motions passed with near-unanimous agreement, significant opposition emerged on issues tied to labor conditions and local infrastructure.
The culmination of community engagement and administrative action reflects the balancing act between local governance and citizen advocacy. The discussion outcomes showcase not only the success of the plenary but also the challenges remaining as Lorca continues to strive toward comprehensive improvement across various sectors.
Looking forward, the citizens of Lorca are poised to remain vigilant and involved as these pressing matters evolve, ensuring their voices shape the decisions impacting their community's future.