Arranged to discuss issues with Candido in Zurgena Town Hall this morning but when I got there thought I was going to fail. Candido was out trying to fix the WiFi problem in the Cuesta de los Pinos area we had previously reported and then I heard that he was on top of the landslide hill in the village and that there was a problem. I subsequently discovered that the problem was not a minor one. The original estimate given to the Town Hall, and upon which the estimate for the remedial work was based was way out. The original calculation of the volume of earth to be cleared was 35,000 sq metres but now that the builders (New Horizons and one other company) who are doing the work (and who will not get paid for 6 months for it) questioned this figure and a new calculation reveals the true amount to be nearly 3 times the original at 90,000 sq metres. This is presenting the TH with a major problem of funding.
However, I did get the opportunity to quickly speak with Candido about some of my outstanding issues.
Firstly I asked him about 3 areas where residents had complained about the access roads still being very bad since the flood. These areas were in Palaces, Los Carasoles and Llanos del Peral. He informed me that the man who works the earth levelling machine had been on holiday and was not returning until 14th January. When he returned he would be working his way from Llanos to Los Carasoles and then to Palaces and the Los Menchones and he noted the areas that had complained.
I asked about whether the TH could do anything about the very bad smell in Calle Miguel de Cervantes which it was believed was a s a result of the flood washing away part of the sewerage tanks in Palaces. He said he was unsure of whether it was a problem that the TH could deal with but would look into it.
I asked about the gym in La Alfoquia and he told me that it was hoped yo put this out to contract next week and soon thereafter to reopen it.
I then raised my pet project, the siting of area street plans but, as I did so he was informed that his solicitor had arrived at a local bar and was awaiting him. I quickly reinforced my feelings that this was a very important safety matter and needed to be progressed. I told him that I had initiated requests for quotes for the cabinets in which to house these plans but had failed regarding getting quotes from a printer who could do this work. He informed me that the Town Hall has a contract with a company based in Huercal Overa who he believes could do this work and asked that I arrange a date and time for him and I to go and see what they said in the next week or two. So I will pursue this as quickly as I can.
We then adjourned to the bar for Candido to meet with his solicitor and were accompanied by Anthonio from New Horizons and Kiko (the Mayor) and Andreas. As usual I obtained more information downing a couple of beers than sitting in the office. Amongst the bits I picked were that a Hydrological Report on the municipality, which had been asked for by the Junta, was almost complete and would be submitted shortly. This was required by the Junta as part of the process of our PGOU. I then said to Kiko, "what are they going to ask for next?" Kiko said he thought that they could only ask for one or two more things before agreeing our PGOU. Lets hope so.
Candido then had a go at Anthonio about the sewerage smell problem in Palaces and it was interesting to watch his style in getting Anthonio to agree o checking out what was causing the problem and whether they could do anything about it.
Kiko then asked my opinion about pig farms. This was interesting as I had heard a rumour last year about the possibility of a pig farm near Llanos del Peral. I assured him that I and all the people who had bought properties in the municipalities would be most upset if new pig farms were granted permission to open near any residential area. Kiko said that was what he thought. I pointed out that there is many hectares of land to the south of the municipality where there are no residential houses and which would be perfectly suitable for pig farms. So it would seem that he agrees with us on the siting of such a farm.
I also discovered that the same man (who hails from Zurgena originally, Juan) is designing and installing the WiFi for Arboleas.
I think that was all I ascertained today but, I have a feeling I am missing some bits, and if they come to mind, I will add.
Add on.
A number of people have contacted me regarding an article in the Euro Weekly newspaper informing people that all dogs need to be registered now in Spain. Andreas was also approached by people asking the same. We know of no ruling or law which this can be based on. Only dangerous dogs need to be registered and there is a list of such dogs at the Town Hall.
