Last August 1st, a new municipal contract for the management of green areas, parks, gardens, and urban trees came into effect. This service, awarded to the UTE formed by STV Gestión and Albaida Infraestructuras, covers an area of 2,015,280 square meters and the care of 49,497 trees and palm trees, including 19,317 along roadsides and 116 cataloged as singular.
The contract also includes the maintenance of over 412,000 square meters of lawn, 325,000 of flowerbeds, and 53 kilometers of hedges. The main objective is to transition from a model of mere conservation to one that allows for continuous renewal and improvement of these spaces, also integrating vertical gardens and green roofs.
One of the most notable changes for citizens will be the reinforcement in tree maintenance. The minimum staff for the service increases from 157 to 174 workers, and pruning teams are doubled, from eight to 15. This will reduce response times and allow for more prompt attention to the needs of trees in different neighborhoods.
2,755,255 euros will be allocated to specific investments and improvements over the four years of the contract. These funds will be used to repair tree pits and pavement damaged by roots, install root barriers, renew irrigation systems, repair damage caused by vandalism or weather events, and for planting and replacing trees and urban furniture.
Water management will be another key focus. 50 humidity sensors and 50 flow meters will be installed, 1,500 meters of drip irrigation pipes will be renewed annually, and greater use of reclaimed and rainwater will be sought to progressively reduce the consumption of drinking water.
Environmentally, systems such as biological pest control, endotherapy, and organic fertilization will be prioritized, along with the use of native species and the reduction of chemical products. The 2,800 tons of plant waste generated annually will be reused as compost or mulch, and even large branches will be transformed into shelters for wildlife.
The contract also includes the complete renewal of the vehicle fleet, prioritizing electric, hybrid, or low-emission vehicles that are quieter and more efficient. Vehicles will be equipped with GPS/GPRS systems for greater municipal control of operations.
The ordinary cleaning of unenclosed parks and gardens, roadside tree pits, and planters will be transferred to the municipal street cleaning service. The green spaces contract will focus its main resources on the conservation and improvement of the plant heritage, including enclosed parks such as Andarax, Las Familias, Mediterranean Gardens of La Hoya, El Boticario, La Goleta, the Fairgrounds, and the municipal nursery.
This new model aims to ensure that Almería's growth is accompanied by better-conserved green heritage, with a greater capacity to respond to needs and more efficient use of water, a strategic resource for the city.
