Work has started on the beaches of Santa Ana and Las Gaviotas in Benalmádena to replace the sand washed away during the pre-Easter storms. Initially, the Department of Coasts promised to carry out the work in time for the Easter holiday period but later amended their plans due to ‘lack of time’ and a desire not to inconvenience visitors. This change in plan has drawn criticism from the socialist mayor, Javier Carnero.
Sand is being brought in from Malapesquera beach, which has an abundance, and the work will continue for at least another week or until there is sufficient coverage for the summer holiday period.
In view of the perpetual erosion of the beaches every time there is a storm, there are also plans to install two submerged jetties. This, however, will not take place until the summer of 2009. Provided there are no delays in the meantime. One of the jetties will be between Santa Ana and Malapesquera beaches, the other between Santa Ana and Torrequebrada beach. These new structures are expected to give 80% protection to the Benalmádena coastline.
The project is only in the very early documentation and planning stage but there is already talk of extending the deadline for resolving preliminary issues to October. A delay right from the start??