La Manga beachfront residents demand closure of hazardous sea dyke

The Federation of Neighbourhood Associations of Cartagena (FAVCAC) has warned the structure poses a "an obvious danger" to the public

Concerned residents living close to Playa de los Alemanes at the beginning of La Manga del Mar Menor have blasted the hazardous state of a seriously corroded sea dyke they claim poses a safety risk to beach users.

They shared their fears with the Federación de Asociaciones de Vecinos de Cartagena y Comarca (FAVCAC) a couple of months ago, which contacted the Department of Costas in March demanding a solution and the "immediate closure of the deteriorated dyke due to the obvious danger it presents".

The matter has already been brought to the attention of Costas, but to date, the only measure that has been taken is the erection of flimsy fencing that, according to residents, ends up in the sea. "It's a horrible eyesore," according to one beach user.

Costas did respond to the neighbourhood association's letter in March, informing FAVCAC that the concerns had been passed on to the Ministry of Water, Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia which is reportedly carrying out an environmental study of the area.

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However, the Ministry has since insisted that "the Costas is responsible for the dyke and its current state of deterioration", adding that, although they recognise that the Ministry requested that Costas cede control to Maritime Terrestrial Public Domain, "it takes several years of processing".

Meanwhile, the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) – which is responsible for developing the government policy on fight against climate change, prevention of pollution and protection of the natural heritage, including the sea – gave Cartagena Council authorisation to take preventative action in the meantime "in compliance with its powers on safety on beaches and bathing areas".

The city council said it was looking into alternatives to provide greater security two months ago, despite it being "Costas responsibility". However, as yet nothing has been done and locals are becoming increasingly frustrated ahead of the summer season.

Image: Archive