The recently reactivated citizen group has prioritized the improvement of roads, which are in a “horrible” and “brutally deteriorated” state, according to their spokespersons. They highlight the Leña Blanca road, connecting the TF-28 with the TF-1, and sections in the midlands such as the ascent to Chajaña up to La Florida, where the road lacks demarcation, paint, dangerous curve signs, and guardrails.
“"The town is falling apart. In my 50 years, I have never seen it so deteriorated."
Residents recall a promise from early 2025 for a comprehensive renovation of the connection to Icor, with a budget of 350,000 euros. However, they state that the tender never materialized, and more than a year later, the situation remains unchanged. In addition to roads, the association demands improvements in public lighting, which constantly fails due to lack of maintenance, and better mobile and internet coverage, crucial for emergencies in this rural area.
The neighborhood struggle has a long history, with a previous group even funding repairs out of their own pockets. The current collective uses social media to highlight their demands and acknowledges some specific actions, such as clearing and patching in the Luis Delgado area, and the rehabilitation of the old La Morra Negra unitary school, which now serves as a meeting place.
For its part, the Arico City Council, through its mayor, has expressed its commitment to repave the road requested by residents. Work is expected to begin with the construction of retaining walls, considered essential for road safety, with repaving carried out in parallel. The council attributes part of the deterioration to recent rains from storm Therese and claims to have invested over ten million euros in municipal improvements during the current term.
