We just had a press release from the Salobreña Town Hall concerning the flooding caused by the recent rains.

As in other coastal towns, businesses, garages and schools suffered from flooding. Some streets and squares disappeared beneath sizable expanses of water.

However, things were made worse by the actions of the irrigation associations (comunidad de regantes), who diverted water into the Dominguito and Arca ramblas.

The Mayor, Gonzalo Fernández Pulido, complained that this sort of thing happens year after year and asks the relevant administration and the irrigation associations to find alternative outlets for the water that comes down from the Coto 50 and Coto 100.

He was quick to point out that the flooding was not caused by the inaction of the Town Hall, adding that the municipal infrastructure for rain drainage is sufficient under normal circumstances. However, the water that comes down the Dominguito and Arca Ramblas, which run through the trading estate, flows out directly onto the main junction of the town, “spilled millions of litres,” he explained.

“This is the traditional way used by the irrigation association; leaving one single drainage way, dating back to when that area was just vega, whereas now it is built-up land, with dwellings, producing an enormous problem,” he explained.

This, he says, could all be avoided if they took notice of the reports from previous occasions and find alternative outlets for the water from the irrigated areas along Cota 50 & 100.

He admits that it is not a unilateral solution, but requires cooperation between the irrigation bodies, the Junta and the Southern Water Board (Confederación Hidrográfica del Sur). The definitive solution would be to divert the excess water over to the Rambla de Molvízar, which would not require expensive infrastructure, he considers – no more than 170,000 euros

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