There does appear to be a divergence of opinion on the new bridge connecting Maro with the Nerja Caves.
The mayor of Nerja, José Alberto Armijo, believes that a license for the project is necessary as at least part of the works involve land certified as a ‘protected’ zone. Permission would also be required from the Department of Culture. At a press conference, the mayor stated that he did not want to impede progress on the project, only to proceed within the framework of the law.
The Ministry of Public Works, however, appear to be somewhat surprised by the request for permission and a building license. They, reportedly, are of the opinion that the project is both part of the general highway construction plans and is entirely within lands owned by the Ministry. They are reported as saying that it makes no sense to ask for permission to carry out works within the domain of the original highway project and which in no way actually affect any part of a protected zone.
The Nerja Caves Foundation consider the latest moves by the Nerja Council to be just another chapter in a series of unnecessary delays involving projects relating to Maro and the caves.
It looks like the arguments are going to continue for a while yet.