The president visited Colmenar del Arroyo and Pelayos de la Presa to oversee the reconstruction works following the fires. She demands support for local businesses and projects that create jobs.
The president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has toured the municipalities of Colmenar del Arroyo and Pelayos de la Presa this summer to assess the progress of the reconstruction work being promoted by the regional government in Sierra Oeste following the fires that devastated the area.
After the visit, the head of the regional government sent a message of support to the residents and merchants: “Now more than ever, we must support local businesses, restaurants, shops, and all projects that bring many jobs.” She also thanked the residents who spend the summer in their towns, as well as the police, Civil Guard, and other professionals who have given up their holidays to help.
Díaz Ayuso insisted that Sierra Oeste has a future: “With everyone's collaboration, we are convinced that we will get through this,” she stated. The regional government has already activated several recovery plans for the area, which include specific measures for the livestock sector.
In particular, 394,000 kilos of forage and 60,000 litres of water have been distributed to ensure the feeding of more than 5,500 livestock in the area, with an investment of one million euros. Additionally, veterinary assistance is being provided in collaboration with Livestock Health Defence Groups and specialised veterinarians.
Actions are also being carried out to protect the affected wildlife, with the distribution of 133,000 kilos of food and 60,000 litres of water. The regional government will launch a Landscape Recovery Plan to restore vines, wooded areas, grasslands, and other agricultural plantations.
More than 40 actions for reconstruction
The reconstruction plan for Sierra Oeste includes more than 40 actions in the short, medium, and long term. Among them, aid of up to 10,000 euros for affected businesses stands out, financed by a 15 million euro line, and a special programme of free guarantees for businesses and self-employed individuals harmed by the fire.
In the fiscal area, the regional government will apply a 100% discount on the Inheritance and Donations Tax, as well as on Property Transfer Tax and Documented Legal Acts for the acquisition of properties and vehicles intended to replace those damaged. Additionally, there will be an 80% discount on water rates from Canal de Isabel II for the affected municipalities.
For cleaning and restoring basic services, the government will allocate 20 million euros from the Reserve Fund of the Regional Investment Programme for the 17 affected municipalities. Sixty containers and 20 machines have already been distributed among octopus trucks and container trucks to remove waste.
The Community of Madrid will work closely with the mayors to undertake the most urgent work that will allow the more than 56,000 residents to return to normalcy as soon as possible. Points of Attention after the Fires (PATI) have also been deployed to assist those who have returned to their homes.
Since the start of the emergency, the Citizen Attention Offices and SUMMA 112 have provided 445 psychological supports and 648 information requests, and the regional government has provided accommodation in hotels for 410 people, in collaboration with the Red Cross.
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