On Monday, 13 May 2013, Catalan Ombudsman Rafael Ribó presented a report on the complex problem facing local governments all over Catalonia, where there are over 50,000 hectares of land that cannot be registered due to legal and financial issues. Ribó presented the report together with Dr. Pere Vall, a professor in the ESARQ School of Architecture; Josep Maria Corominas, the mayor of Olot; Jordi San José, the mayor of Sant Feliu de Llobregat; and Francesc Vendrell, the Director of the Ombudsman Office Overseeing Land and Purchases.
With the crisis, many families have had to move to properties that were previously considered second residences. As a result, areas that were not intended to be primary places of residence are now found to be lacking basic services. A report issued by the ombudsman warned that between 1,800 and 2,300 residential areas lack proper supplies of electricity, water and gas as well as public transport, health services and schools. Furthermore, many families in these areas have experienced problems entering their property in the Land Registry.
To address the issue, the report recommends an supramunicipal approach to the problem, as well as encouraging the active and committed participation of the owners of land awaiting registration.
In his appearance, Ribó stressed that the current situation of urban anomalies is in violation of the right to adequate housing and, while recognizing that the issue was expensive and complex, he insisted it should be a top priority.
