Interview with Rosa María Cano Montoya, Mayor of Mojacar

WE began by discussing the various projects at hand and started with the new Bus Station which is well on its way to being finished this month if all continues well. It will be the base for all of the current bus routes and has been very well thought out. There will be a large covered area for protection against the sun and rain, a booking office and lockers for leaving luggage. Many would like to know the plans for the wall alongside the roadside… this is going to be a mural dedicated to Mojacar and will be painted by a local artist who will be confirmed shortly. The amount invested in the project is €686,000.

We went on to discuss the new Medical Centre by the bus station. This is planned for completion next year before summer and will substitute the Medical Centre on the Playa. The centre in Mojacar Pueblo will remain for those who find travel difficult. The total area will be 2,400m2 housing a Client Service Reception, Podiatrist, Social Worker, Odontology consultancy, Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy and Radiology. The Junta de Andalucia covered the cost of the Urbanisation and the Mojacar Town Hall is paying for the centre itself. The total amount adds up to €4,200,000.

Thirdly we spoke about the famous Variante road which will be built where the rustic back road to the Petrol Sta­ tion currently sits. It will begin at Cueva del Lobo and continue to the main road with additional roads going down to the beach. This will hopefully reduce the congestion every summer from the Petrol station down and along the beachfront to Cueva del Lobo.

There will be no expropriation of houses, only land, which will not disturb residents. There is also to be sound protection. The project is vastly smaller than the original plan which was disturbing to residents of the area and will not affect the area of La Paratá.

We ended by discussing a few questions I had been asked from local residents. The state of the roads in certain areas of which I have advised the Mayor and the excess of rubbish around Mandala will be addressed. There has been a request sent to the Junta de Andalucia for a designated beach area for dogs. There has not yet been a reply.

The road going up to La Paratá is a concern because only parts have a safety railing and the corners can be a little dangerous. This is going to be looked at and continued.

When we have more information about Macenas resort we will arrange a meeting. Meanwhile Rosa María is very happy that it has been taken on by the Consentino family as they have a great love for Mojacar and will be respecting the natural surroundings.

Note: The Mayor ended the interview saying she will be sending everything of importance to EWN now that the office has reopened and looks forward to a collaboration.