Inici » La Figona: A Refuge in Danger in front of the Urbanization of Benimaclet

La Figona: A Refuge in Danger in front of the Urbanization of Benimaclet

by PREMIUM.CAT
Ocupada desde 2020 por un grupo de personas en situación de emergencia habitacional, La Figona es una masía histórica situada en la huerta de Benimaclet. Su propietaria es la promotora Metrovacesa, que pretende llevar a cabo el Programa de Actuación Integral de Benimaclet y construir allí 1.345 viviendas. En marzo de 2021 interpuso una demanda de desalojo contra los habitantes de la masía alegando “falta de seguridad para vivir en ella”. El desalojo está previsto para este día (8k, mejor calidad, obra maestra, muy detallado:1.1)

The Fight for Decent Housing

Since 2020, La Figona has become a space of resistance for families who are in a critical housing emergency situation. This farmhouse, located in the Benimaclet orchard, has been occupied by a group that seeks to preserve the space as a refuge from the urban development plans of the developer Metrovacesa, which wants to develop an ambitious project of 1,345 homes.

An Imminent Eviction

On January 21st, the occupants of La Figona face an eviction that the developer has requested, arguing that the farmhouse is not safe to live in. In response, the neighbors have launched a call for the community to mobilize against this action that could end their residence.

The History of La Figona

The farmhouse was occupied at a time when the Zarzo Bayarri family, who were opposed to the development of the orchard, still owned it. One of the residents, who prefers to remain anonymous, recalls with nostalgia the connection they had with the family, which was broken with the sale to Metrovacesa. “The relationship changed completely, and the feeling of security we had disappeared,” she explains.

Transformation of Space

Despite the adversities, the people who live in La Figona have worked tirelessly to rehabilitate the space, which was initially in a deplorable state, with old furniture and even rodents. Now, after five years of dedication, the farmhouse has rooms, a kitchen, a living room and a garden. The occupants argue that the argument of unsanitary conditions is just an excuse to justify their eviction.

Community Support and Resistance

The Cuidem Benimaclet collective, which fights against eviction and urbanization of the orchard, has expressed its support for La Figona. Adrià Solbes, spokesperson for the group, emphasizes that the fight for housing is not just a local battle, but a symbol of the defense of the right to housing over private property.

A Context of Judicial Persecution

Legal pressure on activists has been constant. Recently, the Valencia Public Prosecutor’s Office requested fines for five activists who tried to prevent the development project from moving forward. Despite the intimidation, residents continue to resist and organize to protect the farmhouse.

Real Estate Speculation in the Spotlight

La Figona has become a symbol of the fight against real estate speculation, and its inhabitants have called on the community to join the rally scheduled for the day of the eviction. With activities such as a community breakfast and a vegan lunch, they seek to encourage peaceful resistance and demonstrate that the community will not accept exploitation by big business interests.

The Future of La Figona

With the change of attorney by Metrovacesa and the imminent eviction, the inhabitants of La Figona are preparing to face a new chapter in their struggle. Their hope lies in community mobilization and in the conviction that the right to decent housing is fundamental and cannot be ignored.

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