The state of elevators in public buildings in Xàtiva has become a point of contention between the opposition and the municipal executive. PP spokesperson, Marcos Sanchis, has publicly denounced that the elevator at the Alzheimer's day center has been inoperative for weeks, hindering care for people with reduced mobility and forcing staff reorganization.
The Popular Party does not limit the problem to this center but warns of deficiencies in nearly 18 elevators in municipal facilities. Therefore, they demand immediate intervention and the establishment of a maintenance plan to ensure accessibility in all publicly owned buildings.
The elevators cannot be put into operation until all the safety requirements established by the new regulations are strictly met.
In response, the municipal government has explained that the incidents are directly related to the entry into force of Royal Decree 355/2024. This new legislation introduces stricter obligations regarding elevator safety and maintenance, which has required adapting existing contracts and processing a new one to comply with technical requirements.
The council has rejected the PP's criticisms, accusing them of generating social alarm and framing their statements within political confrontation. Municipal sources have indicated that the priority is to guarantee user safety, and that the elevators will not be put into operation until they fully comply with the new regulations.
The governing team has linked this situation to a pattern of action by the PP at the local level, reproaching them for prioritizing political criticism over institutional collaboration. They have mentioned other issues such as the future Palace of Justice or the rehabilitation of the Santa Clara convent, where they believe the Popular Party has not actively defended municipal interests.
The Xàtiva City Council has reported that the adaptation process has already begun, with an investment of 60,000 euros. Several municipal buildings already have their elevators repaired and are awaiting mandatory inspections for their commissioning. The forecast is that the remaining actions will be completed and the elevators will regain operability in the coming weeks.
