[EN] August is ending, but the works continue in Zaragoza: «They are necessary, although they are very slow»

August faces its final stretch and the people of Zaragoza continue to coexist with a city in obras. Closed streets, detours, changes of routes on the urban bus and difficulties in moving around have been part of the routine of residents and visitors these summer months, even more so now that many are returning to the Aragonese capital for the return to the routine. A situation that generates very different opinions between those who consider that the work is necessary and those who are beginning to notice the fatigue due to the discomfort.

«It’s a little uncomfortable, but necessary,» explained a neighbor in the area of Paseo Independencia, implying that the works are the price that must be paid to be able to enjoy a better city later. In the same vein, a young man considered it «correct» that work should be carried out if it serves to improve Zaragoza. Another neighbor even assured that, although «there are many works,» there should still be «more to be able to improve the city.»

THE NUISANCES OF A CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION

The fact that many of these works are concentrated in areas of high traffic on a day-to-day basis such as the Coso, Plaza San Miguel or the surroundings of Portillo, in addition to other actions, as well as the so-called Operation Asphalt which takes place during the summer period, has led the neighbors to criticize the way in which the work is being carried out.

Another neighbor, for example, considered that «they are very slow» and regretted that «they have done them all at once.» One of the main complaints also has to do with public transport. A resident of La Jota said that «the worst is for the bus» because, as she explained, the cuts are complicating travel to the center.

Tourists also find a different Zaragoza. A couple from Madrid said that they had even had to resort to the navigator when they found several streets closed and considered that «there are many works together in the same area», especially taking into account that August also concentrates the arrival of visitors. Another holidaymaker, however, relativised the inconvenience and assured that this type of action is common in summer in other Spanish cities.