Javier Gisbert, the head of Gestaser from Alcoy, has led the Alicante State Federation of Public Works and Utilities (FOPA) since December of the previous year, and his presence with the organization spans sixteen years. He sits on multiple boards within the group. Industry challenges shift with time, yet one persistent issue remains: the state’s underinvestment in public works. With clear signs of infrastructure deficits, the debate about how things could have been done differently keeps returning to the table.
Is there an explanation for why the state remains behind on investments year after year?
Perhaps resentment is unwarranted. The reality is that complaints have always been voiced, yet results have been elusive. The province again ranked low in state investment relative to its population, even more striking for Alicante, a region with heavy tourism and a floating population not fully accounted for. Exceptions exist where sizeable investments were made in a single project, such as airport development or targeted facility enhancements. Priority should have gone to areas most in need, but systematic underinvestment in public works harms the province’s competitiveness.
There is also talk about the low utilization of budget funds…
That point is separate. When reviewing general data for the Valencia Community, recent years show only about 64% of allocated budgets being used, and in the construction sector the figure drops to around 35%. The challenge is endemic: at least 60% of announced studies remain unfinished.
CEV, Oda, İneca and the coalition have joined forces to press for the execution of strategic projects. Will this effort succeed this time?
Unity is seen as strength, and the decision to act together aims to demonstrate to the ministry that a significant infrastructure gap exists in the province. The goal is to close that gap with the greatest possible momentum. The overarching aim is fairness in distribution of resources and timely action.
What are the core needs?
A study carried out by CEV and the Chamber of Commerce two years ago outlines the essential projects. The Elche-Alicante rail axis is crucial, as the airport currently lacks a direct rail connection. The Alcoy to Xàtiva line should receive definitive upgrades, and the coastal rail corridor between Valencia and Alicante must be completed to support tourism. The Mediterranean Corridor and the dry ports at San Isidro, Novelda and Villena require ongoing operation due to substantial freight volumes. On roads, the expansion of the A-70 between Alicante and Elche for a third lane, the A-31 between Elda and Monforte del Cid, and the improvements to the Orihuela-Torrevieja corridor are vital. The objective also includes bypasses of the latest municipality along the network. Overall, the projected investments exceed 3,000 million euros, seen as essential for boosting the province’s competitiveness.
Construction faces another hurdle: a shortage of workers. What are the causes?
The shortage is nationwide, with an estimated need for 250,000 workers, while the province faces a deficit around 10,000. Several factors contribute. The 2008 crisis pushed many workers to leave the sector and not return. There is a lingering reluctance to pursue construction careers. For example, the number of young people under 25 in the field has fallen from 345,000 in 2007 to about 53,000. The author has observed this firsthand from experience as a Civil Engineering professor at the University of Alicante, where initial enrollment dropped dramatically from 180 to roughly 50 students in the first year.
Unions argue that working conditions deter people…
The assertion does not hold. Wages in construction are high relative to many other industries, often 30% to 40% above the minimum interprofessional salary. The industry has seen increased mechanization, which can affect perceptions of effort. Female participation exists, including leadership roles, but trades remain dominated by men, and this imbalance is not the sole factor behind labor shortages.
What are the consequences of this manpower shortage?
Companies are pulling workers from other projects and the situation could worsen with European funds and the Edificant plan to modernize educational infrastructure that is at risk due to the manpower gap.
What solutions would you propose?
From the start, there should be a clear effort to reframe construction as an attractive profession. Shorter training paths, perhaps six months less than traditional programs in foundational masonry or partition work, could help entrants join the workforce sooner because hands-on knowledge is crucial. If local talent remains scarce, the option to recruit from abroad can be pursued through labor offices. Companies can explore this path if local candidates fall short.
Does inflation hit the sector too?
Raw material costs have surged by more than 30%, causing tender cancellations as administrations delay price updates. A reform of the Public Sector Contracts Law could permit higher bids or price revisions, and safeguards are essential to shield companies from severe impacts on the sector’s viability.