Hundreds march in Cartagena to demand more public investment in Los Nietos
Residents say they are tired of empty promises and being treated as “second-class citizens”
Over 350 residents of Los Nietos marched through the streets of Cartagena this Thursday to protest against what they describe as ongoing neglect by local authorities. The demonstration, which began in Plaza de España and ended at the Regional Assembly, was organised by the town’s Neighbourhood Association.
Chanting “The people of Los Nietos exist”, protestors called for improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, transport and environmental conditions.
Many carried banners demanding safe pedestrian areas, proper street lighting, functioning sewage and water treatment systems, and clean, maintained public spaces all year round.
“We don’t understand why we are forgotten,” said Tim Bromage, Vice President of the Neighbourhood Association. “We’re the only place on the Mar Menor with a direct transport link to Cartagena, thanks to the FEVE train. Families could easily come here, but we are overlooked time and time again. Once again, we’ve published our manifesto asking for nothing more than to live in reasonable conditions.”The Association also highlighted the lack of paediatricians and midwives, unsafe roads, deteriorating parks, and untreated spills into the Mar Menor.
“There are 1,800 people who live here all year, not just in summer. We’re not asking for favours; we’re demanding rights,” said one statement.
In response, Cartagena’s councillor for Coastal Affairs, Gonzalo López Pretel, acknowledged the concerns but said the City Council lacks the legal authority to fully repair the seafront promenade.
“We can only do minor maintenance,” he said, noting that permission for major works rests with the Demarcación de Costas regional coastal authority. Some limited repairs were carried out this week, including fixing a damaged step and improving kerb access near the yacht club.
Despite this, residents say they will continue pushing for the investment they believe Los Nietos deserves.
Images: Tim Bromage
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