Matalascañas residents demand water network renewal after pipe burst and landslide

A major water pipe burst in the Matalascañas coastal area has caused significant property damage and a landslide. The rupture of a 200mm diameter pipe led to a massive release of water that, due to the lack of a retaining wall, caused a slope of earth to collapse onto several homes.

Three residences were severely affected, with one family being relocated to a nearby hotel by the water management company, Aqualia. While no personal injuries were reported, material damage is substantial, including homes being inundated with water and sand, and vehicles being buried. Aqualia has worked to restore water supply to the area and is coordinating with insurance companies to assess the damage.

The Matalascañas Homeowners Association is demanding an urgent renewal of the water supply network, citing the deterioration of decades-old fiber cement pipes. The association has criticized recent local road paving projects, arguing that authorities have been resurfacing streets without replacing the obsolete underlying infrastructure, which complicates repairs and fails to address the root cause of the frequent leaks.