The roadworks expand

The roadworks on the Balcon de Europa are now spreading down calle Carmen towards the works in Plaza Cavana, both sites quite active today. Pity about the nasty smell around the Balcon de Europa at the moment.

It does look very much like something went wrong on the section next to the Balcon de Europa necessitating digging up a small section yet again. Presumably a leaking pipe judging by the surface water this morning.

Millions of euros are being pumped into the local municipalities as a means of stimulating the local economies but it does seem, though, that most of this money is being channelled into various small or medium-sized infrastructure projects, the beneficiaries of which appear to be the same few local construction companies.

Businesses in these areas, upon whom the economy depends, are suffering while these projects are being carried out, some having to close down completely – Kronox, Mediterraneo, Villa Flamenca to name but three. This is hardly stimulating the local economy.

Yes, these projects will have a long term benefit, either in terms of much needed repairs to infrastructure or an improvement to the all important ‘image’ of the town, but they cause a lot of suffering in the meantime.

The ‘stimulation of the economy’ appears to be being carried out with tunnel vision. How about, for example, using some of the funds to encourage new businesses? Or waive the rates of businesses in certain areas for, say, six months to stimulate growth?

How about the construction of a multi-purpose and multi-appeal centre to stimulate tourism to the area? Maybe a complex with children’s attractions, swimming pool, sports, horse riding, pitch and putt, boating pond or whatever. Something with a wider appeal than single ‘bees in bonnets’ such as a golf course or marina.