Today marks two years since the last municipal elections, in which Izquierda Unida won the most votes (1518) but this was not enough to govern, because of the pact between Compromiso Manilva (1503) and PSOE (1371). That pact was not finalised until 11 June, after the local PSOE consulted its members, who voted 80% in favour of the governing agreement with Compromiso.
Two difficult years with many projects on hold
Although the political situation appears to be the most stable of recent terms, which were disrupted by motions of no confidence, the coronavirus crisis has not allowed a normal term in office. Whether for this reason or another, it is true that many projects are still «in the pipeline», on hold or delayed, and that residents’ concerns and complaints (bus stop shelters, the refurbishment of the taxi rank, the continual power cuts) have still not been resolved. Important projects such as the comprehensive renovation of the Sabinillas promenade are still waiting to begin, the definitive repair of Avenida Miraflores has no start date, and the same goes for the pedestrian footbridge at La Paloma and the extension of the Municipal Music School. There are also the commitments signed before a notary during the election campaign by Mario Jimenez: the creation of a pedestrian path with a cycle lane on the A377 linking Manilva and Sabinillas, an underpass beneath the A7 linking the area known as Jardines de Sabinillas with the La Colonia area, and an underground car park in the La Colonia parking area.
We remind readers that failure to carry out these projects, signed before a notary, during the current term could constitute the offence of forgery of documents, as the notary himself warned when drawing up the deed containing these statements.
Manilva is also making progress
On the positive side, some works have also been completed, such as the pavement on the Carretera de los Baños, which was left at a standstill for many months, the resurfacing of the entrance to the Industrial Estate, the extension of the Colegio San Luis de Sabinillas, the renovation and upgrading of all the municipality’s children’s playgrounds, and the comprehensive renovation of Alvarez Leiva (the entrance to Manilva), Muro Aguilar, Pósito and Isidoro, and the callejones de los pintores in Sabinillas. The project to set up another secondary school in the town also appears to have been signed. There has also been lighting on the La Paloma and Aldea Beach roundabouts and the Estepona road, as well as improvements to the layout of the Los Granados promenade.
Two years, two contracts awarded to private companies
These have been the main talking points of the term so far and issues that have caused confrontation with the main opposition party. The first is the handing over of the Sabinillas Sports Pavilion to Edufy Formación, which for the moment seems to have widened the sports and training options in the municipality, as well as improving the facilities.
The second is the awarding, by public tender, of the municipality’s cleaning service, which a week ago passed into the hands of the UTE Relima, led by FCC. Despite only a few days of work in the municipality, considerable improvements are gradually starting to be seen.
DOUBTS FOR THE REST OF THE TERM
Despite the apparent stability and loyalty of the current Compromiso – PSOE governing team, the doubts about the rest of the term are to be found in the courts. Various trials and accusations pending in the coming months against the current mayor of Manilva, as well as some councillors, could result in prison sentences or disqualification from public office for some of those charged, which could affect the make-up of the current governing team.
Leer esta noticia en español →
