FOPA regrets that the province remains overlooked in 2022 infrastructure investments
Javier Gisbert leads the Alcoy based Gestaser company and has held responsibilities with the Alicante State Federation of Public Works and Utilities, known as FOPA, for many years. He has served on the board in multiple positions as part of a long tenure with the organization. The construction sector faces changing challenges over time, yet one issue persists: the state’s limited level of investment. In a moment when infrastructure deficiencies are conspicuous, the conversation about how things could have been different continues to surface.
Is there an explanation for why the state seems to remain in the queue for investments year after year?
There may not be a simple answer. Yet the consistent complaint from the industry has been that progress remains elusive. Last year the province again received a smaller share of state investment relative to its population, a striking fact given that Alicante attracts a high tourist flow. This floating population often goes uncounted in official calculations. Historically there have been only a few large, one-time investments such as airport improvements or related facilities. The priority should have been to strengthen national and regional connectivity, but the pattern has been to place Alicante in a lower tier. The lack of sustained public investment places pressure on the province’s competitiveness.
There is also concern about the low execution rate of budgeted funds.
Comparative data from the Valencia Community shows that recent years saw only about two thirds of allocated budgets used, and in the construction sector the execution rate falls to roughly one third. The implication is clear: a sizable portion of planned studies never moves forward, creating a chronic gap that hinders progress.
CEV, ODA, INECA and others have chosen to unite to push for the execution of projects considered strategic. Will this alliance translate into results this time around?
Unity is seen as a source of strength. The groups have decided to collaborate to push the ministry to acknowledge the province’s infrastructure deficit and to close it with urgency. The aim is to secure fairness and timely action that reflects the region’s needs.
What are the basic needs identified in the collaboration?
Two years ago a study by CEV and the Chamber of Commerce laid out priorities that have seen little progress. The Elche–Alicante rail axis is essential because the airport cannot be directly connected by train. The Alcoy–Xàtiva line requires decisive upgrades, and the coastal rail link between Valencia and Alicante should be completed to support tourism. The Mediterranean Corridor along with the dry ports operated by San Isidro, Novelda and Villena must be kept active because they handle large volumes of goods. In road terms, expanding the A-70 between Alicante and Elche to a third lane and upgrading the A-31 between Elda and Monforte del Cid are crucial. Additional improvements include extending the Orihuela–Torrevieja corridor and the last municipal bypass. The total investment envisioned is around 3,000 million euros, a sum deemed necessary for regional competitiveness.
A second challenge is the shortage of workers in construction. What factors have contributed to this gap?
The shortage is nationwide, with an estimated need of 250,000 workers nationally and a provincial deficit near 10,000. Several factors explain the trend. The 2008 crisis redirected many workers to other sectors and many did not return. Younger generations increasingly view construction as less attractive. From the perspective of higher education, enrollment in civil engineering courses has dropped from about 180 to roughly 50 students per year. The firsthand account from the University of Alicante confirms similar declines in enrollment and interest in construction trades.
Unions argue that working conditions drive the problem.
From the field perspective, wages in construction remain competitive, often substantially above the minimum wage. The industry has modernized and became more mechanical, yet some perceive the work as tough. The participation of women remains low, though women do hold management roles. The nature of trades has shifted, but this alone does not explain the manpower gap.
What are the consequences of the personnel shortage?
Construction firms must absorb and retain staff amid a period of growth in European funding and renewal projects under schemes like the Edificant plan. A shortage threatens project timelines and could affect the pace of infrastructure renewal in the province.
What possible solutions could help address these issues?
Early on the emphasis is on making construction an appealing career path. Shorter, targeted training programs could help newcomers join the workforce quickly, with training durations around six months for foundational roles in masonry or partitioning. If local supply remains tight, labor from abroad could be considered with job opportunities posted through relevant employment offices. Companies may adopt this route if local talent is insufficient to meet demand.
Inflation adds another layer of pressure on the sector. How does that affect procurement and contracts?
Material costs have risen sharply, with some materials climbing more than 30 percent. This volatility has led to the cancellation of several tenders as contracting bodies do not publish up-to-date prices. The solution lies in reforming the Public Sector Contracts Law to allow flexible pricing adjustments and revisions. Safeguards are needed to prevent an adverse impact on construction firms while maintaining value for public projects.
Return of federation awards after two years
The Alicante State Public Works and Utilities Employers’ Federation, commonly known as FOPA, marked a sixteenth edition of its awards following a two-year pause due to the pandemic. The top provincial study award recognized the project to expand the airport access road, while the environment category honored erosion-repair actions and the rehabilitation of degraded forest areas in Alicante’s Tossal. A special mention was given to the pedestrianization of Plaça de Baix and Calle Corredora in Elche. The federation acknowledged the joy of returning to the awards and highlighted the role of both public and private projects in enhancing social well-being and regional life. A total of sixteen works were presented to the jury in this edition, reflecting broad participation and shared commitment to local improvement.