A whole quarter could secede from Budapest: Residents cite neglected infrastructure
Residents of Csúcshegy, a district in Budapest’s Óbuda area, have initiated a signature collection campaign aiming to hold a referendum on seceding from the capital. The movement, led by the local civil organisation “Menedék a Csúcshegy Barátainak Egyesület” (Refuge for Friends of Csúcshegy Association), seeks to address longstanding infrastructural challenges and improve living conditions in the neighbourhood.
Background and grievances
Csúcshegy spans approximately one square kilometre and is characterised by a mix of holiday homes, bungalows, and family houses. Despite its proximity to central Budapest, the area lacks essential public utilities. Notably, the entire district relies on a single public well for drinking water, as there is no established water or sewage system, Telex writes in its report. Residents are unable to independently construct these utilities due to unregulated public areas. This infrastructural neglect has persisted for decades, prompting the community to seek drastic measures.
The district’s roads are a combination of narrow asphalt lanes and pothole-ridden dirt paths. While neighbouring developments, such as the recently built Harsánylejtő residential park, have been equipped with modern utilities, Csúcshegy remains underserved. This disparity has fuelled residents’ frustrations and their desire for administrative autonomy.
The secession initiative
The signature drive commenced on 15 March, with the goal of collecting signatures from at least half of the district’s nearly 1,000 residents. If successful, this would pave the way for a local referendum on secession. Should the referendum favour independence, the proposal would then require approval from the Budapest General Assembly and the Hungarian Parliament to be enacted.
Endre Hámor, president of the initiating association, emphasised that secession is considered a last resort. The primary objective is to exert pressure on municipal authorities to address the infrastructural deficiencies. Residents hope that the mere prospect of secession will prompt the necessary improvements without the need to alter administrative boundaries.
Historical context
Historically, Csúcshegy was a common pasture until it was parcelled out around 1910. The area transitioned through various administrative statuses, becoming a “zártkert” (closed garden) zone in 1971, Telex writes. Over the decades, the district evolved from a collection of weekend plots to a community with permanent residents. However, its classification as an agricultural zone has hindered infrastructural development and access to services.
The outcome of the secession initiative could set a precedent for other neighbourhoods grappling with similar issues. In the meantime, the residents of Csúcshegy continue their daily routines, drawing water from the lone public well and navigating unpaved roads, hopeful that their collective efforts will lead to tangible improvements in their community.
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