PSOE denounces that privatising La Gomera's roads will cost 25 million in five years

The insular group of PSOE in the Cabildo of La Gomera has denounced that the outsourcing of road maintenance services will incur a cost of up to 25.5 million euros over five years, compromising the insular budget.

The road maintenance service in La Gomera has been awarded for 16.3 million euros for three years, with the possibility of extension until 2029. The socialists warn that this amount, which could reach 25.5 million, will burden the Cabildo's finances for years.

An annual cost of 5.4 million

The contract, which starts in 2026, has an annual cost of 5,459,275 euros. If the two-year extension is executed, the total amount would rise to 25,510,622 euros, according to data provided by PSOE in the insular plenary.

The socialists criticise that this amount "compromises a good part of the Cabildo's budget for the coming years", just as happens with the agreement for the socio-health centre in San Sebastián or the solid waste collection service.

Denouncing a "covert dismantling" of public employment

The PSOE spokesperson in the Cabildo has recalled that the road service was already insufficient with the previous staff. "They told us everything was perfect, but with this award they confirm our concerns about the discontent among workers," he stated.

The socialists assert that there has been a "covert dismantling" of the public service, transferring positions to other departments for years to justify the outsourcing. "It is better to stabilise people in positions than to worsen their labour rights," they defended.

A contract that conditions future budgets

The award, already finalised, represents a burden for the insular accounts. PSOE warns that "adverse economic circumstances" that may arise in the coming years have not been taken into account.

From the socialist group, they hope that at least the service will be fulfilled and the citizens will benefit. "Given that this is a fait accompli, we hope the service works," they concluded.

For the residents of La Gomera, outsourcing will not change their day-to-day lives, but it will affect the management of road maintenance, which is now in the hands of a private company. The Cabildo must ensure that the service is efficient and that quality is not compromised.