News
Plant problems
Complaints about Nerja ’ s new water treatment plant were aired at meeting in the town hall last month . Representatives of businesses and local communities told councillors that they were concerned about noise and smells coming from the building , although it is not yet fully operational . Responsibility , they were told , still rests with the Environment Ministry which has not yet formally handed it to the municipality .
Water hazards
Ecologists have complained to the regional government about businesses which are renting jet-skis in waters off the Maro – Cerro Gordo natural park . GENA says the devices are prohibited from use within a mile of the coast , adding that scientific research shows that the noise they make causes a serious impact on aquatic mammals . The group claims a general “ lack of control ” on vessels in the area .
Brit detained
A 25-year-old British man has been arrested in Málaga in connection with a series of 20 robberies from warehouses . In November , four people were detained in the same investigation , but one suspect , thought to be the gang ’ s leader , could not be located . National Police said he had been in hiding , was planning to leave Spain , and is also suspected of involvement in further incidents .
Low levels
As August began , the level of the reservoir at Viñuela was at just under 28 % capacity . Other storage in the province was at a higher level with La Concepcion west of Málaga at almost 75 % capacity . The total capacity for the province ’ s six reservoirs stood at just under 50 %.
Plans for more
pedestrianisation
Plans are underway for Nerja ’ s calle Diputación to become pedestrianised . A € 360,000 project was initiated by the Town Hall last month , financed mainly by Málaga ’ s provincial government . The work is part of the extraordinary plan to boost local employment in the wake of the coronavirus crisis .
Axarquía tunnels upgrade
A three-year project to upgrade five motorway tunnels in the Axarquía has been announced by the transport ministry . It will cover the Capistrano , Tablazo , Frigiliana , Lagos and Torrox ( pictured ) tunnels , all on the A-7 autovía , and has a budget of € 19.39 million .
The work will be part of the government ’ s Recovery , Transformation and Resilience Plan which aims to improve the safety and road conditions of the Spain ’ s network of main roads . It will bring the tunnels into line with the minimum safety standards on the trans-European road network which seek , “ to prevent critical situations that could endanger human life , the environment and the infrastructures themselves .”
According to the Ministry , there are presently numerous breaches in the areas of emergency lighting , ventilation . communications and electrical systems , as well as fire extinguishing , CCTV , signalling and lighting .
The Capistrano and Torrox tunnels also require the installation of a toxic liquid drainage system . Companies wishing tender for the work have until October 8 to make their submissions .
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Málaga wines
This summer ’ s grape harvest in the province is expected to produce 3.7 million kilos of fruit . However , the sales of Málaga produced wines this year is reported to be around 30 % lower than in the pre-Covid period , according to the industry ’ s Regulatory Council . A number of producers lost up to half their income with the cancellation of public visits and wine tastings .
New road
The regional government has announced plans for a new road between Málaga and Ronda . A
€ 200,000 contract has been awarded for the first phase of study which will define its route and assess its environmental impact . Rural areas around Ronda have been demanding a better link to the coast for some time .
River risks
The regional government has been asked to introduce controls on recreational use of the Chillar River in Nerja . The town hall says unregulated activity leads to environmental and damage and fire risk , especially during summer . Local environment councillor Javier Rodríguez said the municipality was already in discussion with relevant authorities .
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