During the Public Space, Neighborhoods, Mobility, and Traffic Commission meeting held today, issues detected in Vitoria-Gasteiz's public drinking fountains since May 25th were discussed. Óscar Fernández, spokesperson for Elkarrekin, noted an increase in citizen complaints coinciding with the activation of the municipal heat plan, specifying "about a dozen complaints" in areas like Adurza, Zaramaga, Salburua, and the Anillo Verde.
Beatriz Artolazabal, delegate councilor for the Department of Public Space and Neighborhoods, emphasized the need to "put the real problem with public drinking fountains into perspective and context." She stated that "we have approximately 380 public drinking fountains in Vitoria" and that the rise in reported incidents occurred "between late May and early June," affecting "15 fountains," or 4% of the municipal network.
Artolazabal assured that "municipal services have attended to the incidents," that "almost all are operational," and that "several fountains have been renovated" as part of an ongoing renewal process. However, she denounced "acts of vandalism and theft of the fountain push-buttons," appealing for citizen civility. "We repair them when we detect a fault, but when people do these foolish things, they must be aware of the consequences for the public," she lamented.
Currently, only two of the 380 fountains are inoperable: one in Salburua, out of service due to urbanization works, and another in Zaramaga, where the City Council is undertaking environmental improvements. The councilor also mentioned that the fountain in the recently opened Los Herrán park "is having some issues," but "as it is under warranty, they will fix it as soon as possible."
