Readers might have already noticed that roadworks have commenced on the Avendida de Andalucía in Almuñécar, but here is some info on the project.

The Chairman of the Comunidad de Costa Tropical and the Alpujarra, José García Fuentes, was quizzed on the flooding in the newly laid Plaza de Madrid and gave the following explanation. He said that the Plaza de Madrid is still not connected up with the Paseo Puerta del Mar via Calle Manilla.

He said that local businesses had asked them not to do it until after the Puente de Pilar (12th Oct) so as not so spoil the tail end of summer.

He also explained that the connection between the Plaza Kentia with the Avenida Juan Carlos I via Calle Hurtado de Mendoza has connections outstanding for the same reason.

To cope with heavy rainfall they are going to lay a 800-mm pipe along Calle Manilla, whereas at present the existing one is only 315mm. This narrower pipe, he said, was the reason that the Plaza de Madrid flooded one Friday (with the water rushing into the chemist’s, unfortunately).

Sr. García Fuentes roundly promised that once the new pipe is laid, “The Plaza Madrid will never flood again.” He might regret that.

The Mayor of Almuñécar said that the stretch of street up to Plaza Magnolias will be completed within two months… Once that is completed the Town Hall will finance the resurfacing of the street up to the top.

Whilst she admitted that the street had only been resurfaced not three years ago and much of it has given way leaving slight ruts, she considers that the new look now visible in Plaza Madrid (when it is not under water) will, once applied along the whole of the avenue, will “revalue” the area commercially and tourism wise.

Neither the Chairman or the Mayor mentioned that most of the parking will disappear, if what has happened in Plaza Madrid is anything to go by.

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