Following discussions with the various political parties, the Nerja Association of Employers (AEN) has agreed to request a meeting with the relevant administrations to discuss and try to unblock such items as the golf course, marina, El Playazo promenade, the Paseo de los Carabineros and the exploitation of the Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Area.
Judging by comments received and entries on a number of travel forums, none of the above-mentioned items is having a negative effect on visitor numbers to Nerja, whereas the lack of sewage facilities certainly is, and this is where all attention should be focussed to ensure that the project keeps going.
Despite the awarding of the contract for the sewage plant, there is still an air of scepticism. In the meantime, many visitors have stated that they will not be returning to Nerja or have changed their holiday plans due to the periodic ‘slicks’ off Burriana beach or unpleasant experiences while swimming.
Why, in the interim, the leaky pipes leading out to sea do not appear to have been repaired is anyone’s guess. It may not have resolved the situation but it would certainly have helped, even if just a little.
Even some avid golfers have questioned the need for a golf course in Nerja when there are other, under-utilised facilities a few minutes down the coast. It is, presumably, the revenue from the thousands of houses and five star hotel to be built that makes such a project so attractive.
Larry says:
You are absolutely right that the main priority is the sewage treatment plant. Nerja does not need a golf course or a marina. You only have to go to Marina del Este to see that there is not the demand for this sort of facility, particularly during this period of austerity. Most people go to Nerja because of the beauty of its setting and its relatively unspoilt nature. If they want Marbella or Puerto Banus, that is where they go. Nerja authorities must stop dreaming of Nerja being a second Marbella. If it was, many people would stop visiting.
Jon Erik says:
I think these meetings among Nerja “important” people are important as are the objects discussed. Personally I do think it is important to get a Golf course. Nerja has got just about everything one should want. I love hiking in the mountains and visit the many different beaches etc. Fortunately Nerja is very different from Marbella! However, the golfing women and men spend a lot of their money in Caleta and Salobrena and the real addicted golfers do not enter Nerja at all because of this. I still have some hope bring online in the sixthies.
joan says:
We have an apartment in Nerja. We love Nerja because of its unspoilt nature and true spanish feel. The sewage treatment plant is a must. Last summer the pollution in the sea was horrible and I would not be surprised to see a drop in tourism as a result.