The mayor of Nerja, José Alberto Armijo, has expressed his satisfaction with the news that the Junta de Andalucía has chosen the Rio Chillar riverbed site as the possible location for the new health centre. However, (there is always a ‘however’, ‘but’ or ‘sting in the tail’ these days) he was a little ‘upset’ because he would have liked it to have been a joint announcement by the two administrative bodies.
The mayor subsequently responded to specific questions posed by the Health Delegate, María Antigua Escalera:
Size: The land is actually two plots, one of 3,542 square metres and another of 1,425 square metres which, if joined together, would be perfectly adequate for a new health centre.
Classification: The two plots are designated as urban land and classified for educational use, which is compatible with health and social projects according to both the Council’s legal expert and municipal architect. As a result, no ‘adjustments’ would have to be made.
Ownership: Both plots are privately owned and the Council will now begin negotiations with the owners to secure the land, offering alternative plots of urban land in other parts of the municipality.
Infrastructure: In response to questions about electricity supply, sewage, water etc, the mayor stated that this is completely covered, both in quality and quantity. Mmm. Suppose the sea isn’t far away!
Return of Money to the Junta: The may stated that this issue still has to be resolved as the Council’s position is somewhat contrary to that of the Junta de Andalucía. The original agreement, in 2003, provided for financing of the project on a fifty-fifty basis and the Junta de Andalucía handed over €1.1 million to the Nerja Council.
However, the Junta de Andalucía are now asking for €1.4 million, the original €1.1 million plus interest, as they now say it was a ‘loan’ and not an ‘advance’. The Council position is that they considered the money to be an ‘advance’.
According to the Council, this matter will be settled by the courts, an action already having been brought by the municipal authority.