The organisation condemns the Town Hall’s manipulation of information and announces protests in defence of La Duquesa’s heritage.
Verdemar–Ecologistas en Acción condemns the stance of Manilva Town Hall, which has publicly announced the existence of a supposedly «favourable» SEPRONA report on the work carried out on plot L-1 of the El Hacho Partial Plan, Phase 2, in the protected area surrounding the Castillo de la Duquesa Archaeological Site, declared an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC).
The organisation points out that the Malaga Provincial Public Prosecutor’s Office has already opened investigation proceedings following the complaint filed by Verdemar for a possible offence against historical heritage. The procedure is therefore open and under judicial supervision.
«SEPRONA does not grant authorisations or endorse urban development projects», Verdemar stresses. «Its work is solely to investigate and to send reports to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, which will be the only authority to decide on possible liability».
Verdemar considers that the self-serving circulation of a supposed «favourable report» is an attempt to whitewash a speculative project and to play down the seriousness of events that could breach the Andalusian Historical Heritage Act.
The organisation stresses that work in the area is being carried out without a full archaeological excavation or express cultural authorisation, despite the public announcement of the construction of more than 140 luxury homes and a supposed archaeological museum promoted by Grupo ABU.
Actions and protests
Verdemar announces that it will not limit itself to legal action:
• It will fight back with mobilisations and protest actions to demand respect for La Duquesa’s historical heritage.
• It will call on the public to defend this shared asset against property speculation.
• It will demand the immediate halt of the work and full protection of the archaeological site.
«The priority must be the defence of our common heritage, not property speculation or political propaganda. Verdemar will be out on the streets, alongside the public, to stop this cultural outrage», the organisation concludes.
