The rats came for the water

I forced myself downhill and through the bushes. There was a call in the air, under the half moon and the stillness of the air. No, I did not know what drew me on, only that there was a call in the silent midnight air, a demand, a thrust. Everytime I came to a thorn bush, there was an impulse that made me ignore the blood drawn. When I came to a slope, I hesitated Continue reading The rats came for the water

Cortijo Grande water supply condemned

The regional ministry of health has condemned the water supply of Cortijo Grande. Residents expect their water supply to be cut off as early as next week after Turre council failed to act. Councillor Maria Luisa Cervantes (independent) was alerted to the situation last week by residents who contacted her in desperation. One resident told her that in the opinion of Cortijo Grande’s residents, councillor Martin Morales (IU/communist) had dropped the Brits like a hot Continue reading Cortijo Grande water supply condemned

Galasa is saved in last minute deal

Our local water company Galasa was due to be declared bankrupt tomorrow December 1, but a last minute plan by the pp and PSOE has been agreed to save the bankrupt company. Details are still sketchy, but both parties have agreed a price rise lower than the one originally mooted. A new steering committee will be created to oversee the company, and the county council will set up a commission to start fixing the many Continue reading Galasa is saved in last minute deal

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?

Junta’s anti-obesity law comes closer

The Junta has published a draft version of a new anti-obesity law, a first for Spain. It goes after the 18.7% of Andaluzes who are classified as fatties and makes them run naked through the locker room whilst the jocks flick at them with wet towels. Or something like that, I haven’t read it very closely. The issue is worse amongst the youth, with 22.5% of kids overweight in the region. Some highlights of the Continue reading Junta’s anti-obesity law comes closer

The driest province in Europe is starting to suffer as its water runs out. Decades of over-exploitation of water resources, coupled with a lack of investment in the infrastructure is finally causing Almería serious problems. Although the coastal regions are now living off their desalination plants, crumbling infrastructure means half the water produced is lost to leaks and cannot be shipped inland to the mountain villages. [Adsense-B] Olula de Castro is a prime example. Despite Continue reading

Galasa approves whopping price rise – some towns will see rates double

Galasa, our bankrupt local water company, has had a whopping 32% rise approved for the Levante, whilst in some towns in the Almanzora the rates will double. It comes after a 16% rise in 2009. But socialist towns (PSOE) have said they are planning to refuse to allow the increase, and say that this must be passed by each local council, something the provincial council disputes. Given that the bills come directly from Galasa HQ Continue reading Galasa approves whopping price rise – some towns will see rates double

Galasa has electric cut off as it can’t afford to pay the bill

Endesa has cut off the electric supply to a number of Galasa offices after the company failed to settle over a million and a half euros in unpaid electric bills. The main offices in Vera are currently working with a generator installed on the roof. There are fears that water supplies will be hit across the region if electricity is cut off to pumping stations. Currently only offices have been affected. The public owned company Continue reading Galasa has electric cut off as it can’t afford to pay the bill

Heavy rain brings chaos to Almería

Heavy rain on Tuesday morning bought chaos to Almeria city and the outlying area. Emergency services dealt with 73 call outs across the west of the province in a single morning due to localised flooding. A level 1 flood alert was declared in the early hours of the morning, which was lifted later that afternoon. [AdSense_B] Several people had to be rescued from their vehicles after getting stuck whilst crossing floodwaters, including a man and Continue reading Heavy rain brings chaos to Almería

Turre in land grab move

There is a fascinating article in this week’s Costa Almería News in which Mayor Martin of Turre explains how he’s going to bring the mountain urbanisations of Cabera and Cortijo Grande under council control. It seems there is a plan afoot for the council to take over the running of the Juntas of both urbanisations, and then finish off urbanisation proceedings there. Mayor Martin talks of a 3,3 million euro investment project that will have Continue reading Turre in land grab move