Updates on the Poniente Breakwater Promenade Project in Torrevieja

As of September 30, 2024, the project aimed at finishing the Poniente Breakwater promenade in Torrevieja has encountered another hurdle, sending plans back to Madrid for review. The local government has submitted a project financed by municipal funds to the state company Acuamed, which required several modifications to the original proposal. This latest development came to light during a recent government meeting, raising questions about the future of this long-awaited project.

The Project’s Journey and Modifications Required by Acuamed

During a briefing, Federico Alarcón, the secretary councilor of the governing team, revealed that the adjustments mandated by Acuamed were mainly focused on aligning the project’s total costs with the figures initially outlined by the state company. Details remained scarce, but the pressure to modify the project comes after years of delays linked to Acuamed’s past issues regarding its desalination plant contracts.

Background Context

The Poniente Breakwater promenade, which was stalled midway through construction, aims to compensate Torrevieja for challenges associated with hosting the largest desalination plant in Europe. So far, only the reurbanization of the San Roque neighborhood has been completed from earlier promises, leaving significant projects like the breakwater promenade, the Acequión walk, and another path between Los Náufragos and Rocío del Mar still pending.

Municipal Financial Responsibility

In a bid to expedite the project’s progress, the local government stepped in to cover the costs associated with drafting the project, an obligation originally meant for Acuamed. This decision involved a public tender for the project’s drafting, which was awarded to the local firm Cayetano Bernabé for a total expense of €59,711.58, including VAT, with a 60-day execution timeframe.

Project Features and Potential Changes

Initially estimated at €620,236.90, the finalized project seeks to modernize the iconic promenade between Acequión and Los Náufragos beaches with several enhancements, including:

• A dedicated bike lane
• New protective fencing separating pedestrians from the salt conveyor
• Prefabricated reinforced concrete benches
• Graded seating areas with distinct bank modules
• 30 LED streetlights
• A play area and recycling bins
• A monumental installation spelling out ‘Torrevieja’ visible from the beach

However, as the project undergoes financial adjustments, questions arise regarding whether these proposed enhancements will be maintained or scaled back in quality.

Conclusion

The fate of the Poniente Breakwater promenade hangs in the balance as municipal authorities strive to meet Acuamed’s demands. Residents and visitors alike hope that, despite the hurdles, the project will still deliver a vibrant and functional promenade that enhances Torrevieja’s coastal charm.

For ongoing updates about the status of the Poniente Breakwater promenade, please visit La Verdad.