The Foundation For The Defense Of Citizens Against State Abuses (FACIAS) has sent a request to the municipal company responsible for managing parks and green spaces in Bucharest, ALPAB, to see how much money is being wasted annually while the parks are deteriorating. This action is part of FACIAS' campaign, "Close the Waste Tap!"
More and more Bucharest residents are outraged because the major parks in the city are visibly deteriorating day by day. Lake banks are on the verge of collapse, pathways degrade continuously, and green spaces are increasingly disappearing, being replaced by bare soil. How did it come to this? Due to ignorance, incompetence, or wastage? A combination of these? FACIAS attempted to determine the amount of money spent by the Lakes, Parks, and Recreation Administration (ALPAB) this year, the investments made, and the future plans, so they made an official request in this regard. ALPAB responded to the request and provided the requested data, but upon analyzing the information, the situation is appalling. The administration claims to have spent almost 2 million euros on various improvements, tree plantings, or turf. However, the parks in Bucharest are in a deplorable state, indicating more waste than investment.
BIG PLANS, FEW ACHIEVEMENTS
In the response sent to FACIAS, the administration of parks and green spaces listed its "achievements." Among these, what stood out was the number of trees planted—108. Along the Dâmbovița River, 70 trees were planted, and 38 in front of the National Theater. This is in contrast to Sector 3 Municipality's claim of planting around 10,000 trees annually. A hundred times more. Additionally, ALPAB has also landscaped approximately 10,000 square meters with turf or flowers, a little more than a football field. However, regarding FACIAS' inquiry about ongoing projects, ALPAB excels in plans. It intends to rehabilitate Carol I, Regele Mihai I (Herăstrău), and Cișmigiu parks, as well as landscaping green spaces on Queen Elisabeta Boulevard.
FACIAS emphasizes the major discrepancy between the expenses reported by ALPAB and the visible results on the ground. It requests an urgent revision of how public funds are allocated and spent, emphasizing transparency and efficiency, to enhance the quality of green spaces and, consequently, the quality of life in urban areas.
FACIAS Press Office