What’s happening with Galasa?

Galasa is our local water company, supplying homes in the Levante and the Almanzora areas. It’s a public company, owned 51% by the Diputación (provincial council) and the rest by the local councils that make up the towns it supplies. In brief, water supplies in Andalusia are guaranteed by the local councils, who are responsible for ensuring everyone has a supply of fresh potable water (hah!). Sadly, Galasa is bankrupt and looks likely to be Continue reading What’s happening with Galasa?

Culture in the streets this summer

The Diputación, the county council has been busy organising some 350 street shows from July until September for the streets of the towns and villages of the province, under a programme called “Cultura en la calle” (culture in the streets). Public spaces such as squares and parks in villages everywhere will be appropriated for fun and games aimed at all ages this summer. There will also be live music sessions, with local jazz, rock, classic Continue reading Culture in the streets this summer

PP look set to keep control of the Diputación

The County Council (Diputación) looks set to be retained by the PP. Although several townhalls could still change hands in the coming weeks as post-electoral pacts are made – the PP have minority control over 12 towns – it looks like they have won the most towns overall. Final results as of midday today: PSOE: 41 towns with absolute majority, 3 with simple. PP: 39 towns with absolute majority, 12 with simple IU: 3 towns Continue reading PP look set to keep control of the Diputación

County Council presents hundred million euro plan for Almería

The Diputación (County Council) has published its advance draft of the 2016-2020 development plan for Almería, which attempts to unify all local development plans into three master plans. It has also announced that it will ask the EU for 110 million euros of FEDER funds to invest in the province. The Dip. doesn’t actually have any income. Instead, it gets cash from other parts of the government and spends it as it see fit. Frankly, Continue reading County Council presents hundred million euro plan for Almería

Albox mayor asked for expenses despite using his official car

The Mayor of Albox has been denied the travel compensation of €7,000 he asked for, as he had been using his official car. Rogelio Mena (PSOE), who is also a local MP, had put in travel expenses for the last three years. However, an internal investigation by the Junta discovered he always used his official Audi for these trips, instead of a personal vehicle. Rogelio asked for €4.000 for trips between Albox and Almería, and Continue reading Albox mayor asked for expenses despite using his official car

President of Leon murdered in city centre by daughter & wife of the Chief of Police

The President of the Diputación of León has been shot dead in the city square by another woman this evening. 59 year old Isabel Carrasco had just left the main square and was crossing the pedestrian bridge over the river Bernesga when a 35 year old woman walked up to her and shot her three times. She was allegedly encouraged by her Mother, (55). The 35 year old woman was quickly arrested as she fled, Continue reading President of Leon murdered in city centre by daughter & wife of the Chief of Police

Almería Tourism Board is closed down by county council to save cash

The patronato de turismo de Almería was yesterday closed down by the Diputacion de Almería (county council), leaving the province without a single unifying tourism council. Instead, decisions on tourism promotion will be taken at a council level. The PP which controls the Diputación says that this will increase efficiency, reduce duplication and save money. Opponents say that the patronato, hit in recent years by the usual allegations of inefficiency and theft, should have been Continue reading Almería Tourism Board is closed down by county council to save cash

This is the sort of government costcutting that will save Spain!

Two bills arrive for the company from the Diputación, both rubbish bills, sent out regular as clockwork four times a year. Now, some penny counter in the government has obviously thought that blighter Mr Jackson! He’s costing us TWO stamps every quarter! And hunted through 64,000 preprinted bills to find my two, and stuffed them into one single envelope, thus saving on one stamp. I wonder how much he gets paid an hour? Because even if Continue reading This is the sort of government costcutting that will save Spain!

50,000 tourists paid to fly into Almeria for their jollies

The Diputacion (city council) has announced a grand scheme to fly 50,000 tourists via 20 extra flights a week into Almeria airport this summer. Reading between the lines, the Diputacion has offered travel agencies across 13 different countries (including the nordic countries, Serbia, Portugal, Iceland, Russia, Poland, etc etc) discounts and free landing fees to bring the tourists here rather than elsewhere. By having the local government pay for cheaper flights, the tour ops can Continue reading 50,000 tourists paid to fly into Almeria for their jollies

4,5 million approved for emergency road repairs after the floods (just not all at once)

The Diputación (think county council) has approved 4,5 million euros for emergency road repairs after the floods. Trouble is, as they don’t have 4,5 million euros, and the road companies won’t extend them any more credit, this is being done piecemeal. They don’t expect to spend more than 2 million this year, and maybe not the rest next year. So, a phased plan of road repairs (with no dates, I notice) has been announced, and Continue reading 4,5 million approved for emergency road repairs after the floods (just not all at once)