Reconstruim, the platform to bring local businesses back to life after the Dana
Stephanie Pastor
Valencia Square
12/22/2024
Initiatives around reconstruction after the flood generated by Dana on October 29 continue to emerge and among these is Reconstruim , a platform that seeks to revitalize local businesses affected by the water and mud that devastated numerous towns in the province of Valencia. The platform, created two weeks ago, combines the strength of volunteers with technical support to help small shops and businesses rebuild.
Its founders, Joan Bosch and Lorena Pedrós , began by cleaning mud and offering basic services such as voluntary electricity after the first emergencies. "Many shops didn't even know if they would be able to reopen," explains Bosch. This led them to devise a system that connects businesses with volunteers capable of carrying out essential tasks: cleaning, bricklaying, furniture assembly or web design, among others.
A bridge between business and volunteers
One of the biggest challenges identified by Bosch and Pedrós is the difficulty in finding available professionals. "Although some businesses have the resources to renovate, they cannot find anyone who can do the work quickly," says Bosch. With this premise, Reconstruim has managed to mobilize 50 businesses and has received more than 150 requests for help in towns such as Algemesí, Aldaia, Paiporta and Catarroja. "We need more volunteers," says Pedrós. "You don't need to be a professional: there are simple tasks such as cleaning, painting, assembling furniture or repositioning products that anyone can do."
Local impact and future objectives
In these first few weeks, Reconstruim has carried out interventions such as the installation of parquet and shelving in shops, or helping a nursery in Catarroja. Now, the promoters are calling on vocational training students, retirees and anyone willing to collaborate, taking advantage of the Christmas holiday period. Bosch himself, an engineer, has carried out work as an electrician in numerous shops.
"The reconstruction of businesses is key to bringing life back to the villages," says Pedrós, pointing out that many towns are still affected and without economic activity. Bosch and Pedrós agree that the union of efforts will allow progress in this recovery process: "What is needed now is solidarity and action."