Anybody who has been up to the top of the old town, to the parking next to the church, will have seen workmen digging up the concrete surface in front of the church. The reason for this is that the Public Works Department of the Town Hall has decided to do something about the damp problem caused by rainwater seeping down into the tunnel.

The Councillor in of Obras y Mantenimiento, Javier Ortega, explained that the work has two objectives: sprucing up the church square-cum-mirador and sorting out the damp problem. He also reassured concerned locals that no much-needed parking space would be lost.

When the square, which gives fantastic views of the vega below, is finished, there will the customary parking spaces, benches and even a drinking fountain. They won’t touch the original old wall, as it has cultural heritage value and is catalogued as Bien de Interés Cultural. As for lighting, the old lighting system will be preserved

With the proximity of Easter, the Agrupación de Cofradías de Salobreña are a bit concerned that things won’t be finished in time, but the Councillor has assured them that the work will in no way interfere with the Easter processions. In fact, it was precisely for this reason that work began with the area next to the church, so as to have it accessible come Semana Santa

The restoration work will give employment to 40 labourers on a rotational basis (15 days employment for each), financed through the PFEA system (rural employment benefit) as well as for three builders during three months. The budget is 108,146 euros, comprising of 64,689 euros provided by the Servicio Andaluz de Empleo, which will cover the wages, and 39,075 provided by the Junta de Andalucia and the Diputacion de Granada, which will cover the cost of materials. The Town Hall will also make its own contribution, amounting to 4,382 euros.

Finally, the Councillor said that although the project has an estimated execution period of six months, it is hoped that it can be sorted out before the summer is upon us.

(News: Salobrena, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)