OGÍJARES (GRANADA), 10 (EUROPA PRESS)
The president of the Diputación de Granada, Francis Rodríguez, has led the delivery of 24 rehabilitated homes by the public company Visogsa in the municipality of Ogíjares, in the metropolitan area, with the aim of allocating them for rent to people over 65 years old.
They are part of a set of 82 apartments that have been closed for years due to acts of vandalism and have now been conditioned for residential use. The intervention has involved an investment of around 400,000 euros and is part of the provincial policies to promote access to decent and affordable housing, as reported by the Diputación in a press release.
Rodríguez, who was accompanied by, among others, the mayor of Ogíjares, Estefano Polo, has stated that «this project represents a concrete response to a real need of the municipality, which is to offer affordable and dignified housing solutions for our elderly, especially in a context where many people live alone or have limited resources.»
In addition, the president has indicated that «the intervention in Ogíjares is a demonstration of the commitment of the Diputación and Visogsa to social development and the improvement of the well-being of the elderly. We will continue to support this intervention model that, in addition to reactivating disused properties, contributes to strengthening social fabric and ensuring the right to decent housing throughout the province.»
On the other hand, the mayor of Ogíjares has emphasized that «24 homes are being launched in the center of the town. These houses are intended for both those already living here and for new neighbors coming from Granada. We want to thank the Diputación de Granada and Visogsa for giving these homes a new lease of life, which had been empty for over a decade. Now, with the high demand we have, they will be an affordable and social home for our neighbors over 65 years old, pensioners, or retirees.»
Furthermore, one of the new tenants, Jorge Quintabani, who lived in a caravan and has acquired a home, expressed his «gratitude to the Diputación de Granada and the City Council of Ogíjares for helping me with this social problem. I am 89 years old and spent many years living in a trailer. Now, having a home gives me the peace of mind to move forward,» as detailed by the provincial institution in a press release.
The rehabilitated apartments have been completely renovated within a period of six months. The works have included comprehensive improvements in sanitation, plumbing, electricity, carpentry, and painting. In addition, photovoltaic solar panels have been installed to improve the energy efficiency of the building and the common areas have been conditioned, ensuring an accessible and functional environment for the tenants.
Most of the rehabilitated homes have one bedroom, a living room with a kitchenette, and a bathroom, while the rest are studio apartments. Rents range from 180 to 339 euros, with the possibility of renting a parking space and/or storage room for an additional amount of 70 euros per month. These amounts are added to the corresponding common expenses.