Budget boost

AUTHORITIES from the Axarquia and Costa del Sol regional government approved their 2023 budget on Monday, March 13. This year’s budget amounts to a total of €3.93 million, an increase of €549,106 on last year.

The budget increase is due to more projects being scheduled to take place this year, though some will receive funding from other authorities. The budget was approved unanimously by all representatives on the General Board, passing standards of account transparency, budget stability, and financial sustainability.

The president of the regional Mancomunidad authority, José Juan Jiménez, stated that the budget was designed based on the needs of residents in the region and explained that funds will be channelled to provide services to towns that need investment.

A shore bet

THE mayor of Nerja, José Alberto Armijo, took a visit to El Playazo beach on Tuesday, March 14 to inspect progress on a shore expansion project which is being funded by the national government. Armijo made the trip alongside government representative Javier Salas.

The project, which has a budget of €70,000 will expand the beach area by around 7,000 metres squared, reclaiming space for residents and visitors.

One of the highlights of the budget is a €250,000 investment sum from authorities in Malaga. This funding will be used to improve beach infrastructure in coastal towns, to purchase a tractor to clean sand, to purchase other important vehicles and equipment for providing services, and to restore the Mancomunidad building.

Armijo shared his satisfaction with the project, stating that “when administrations work together, in harmony, projects move forward efficiently and smoothly.” He also thanked the government and Javier Salas and other council workers for their efforts on the project.

During the meeting, Armijo also urged the Spanish government to respond to a nearly three decade long request from residents for breakwaters at Torrecilla beach to stabilise the beach.