The Axarquía proposes incorporating showers and foot washes using sea water

Torre del Mar/The Commonwealth of Axarquía has proposed to the Andalusian Regional Government to incorporate showers and foot washes using seawater, a plan that would be developed in Torre del Mar and extended throughout the region. This initiative has been studied by the Vélez-Málaga City Council for several years, during a time when drought severely affected the area and the La Viñuela reservoir was not at its current capacity (83 hectometers cubic). If the public administration approves it, the beaches of the locality would be the first in Andalusia to have these facilities. The intention is for the project to be developed by the summer of 2026, as confirmed by the president of the Commonwealth of Axarquía, Jorge Martín.

The Beach Department of the Vélez-Málaga City Council is waiting for the Andalusian Regional Government to green-light the project. After this, pilot tests would be conducted at some locations, and if everything works correctly, they would be incorporated into the locality. For now, the plan is already on the table of the Regional Government, under review, awaiting approval. At least, we will have to wait until next summer for this pioneering project in Andalusia to become a reality.

The First Deputy Mayor of Vélez-Málaga, Jesús Pérez Atencia, stated that the request is already underway "to allow us to demonstrate that just a few meters away seawater is available, and that it would be incorporated with a protocol within the beach plans." In the case of Vélez, these plans are made every four years, "where you are told what you can do," he added. It is worth noting, the beaches are state property and the activities are granted by the Andalusian Regional Government.

The Commonwealth of Axarquía and the Provincial Council support the plan

The showers with seawater are not yet granted, therefore, from Torre del Mar they proposed a protocol at the provincial level or even along the entire coast of Andalusia. As of today, this plan "is viewed favorably, but there are obstacles because we have to see what the State Coastline Authority will say. If in Spain there is a place where there are saltwater foot washes, like in Benidorm, the law must be the same for everyone," clarified Atencia.

For his part, the president of the Málaga Provincial Council, Francisco Salado, "also views this project favorably, which could be included in what they call Blue Estate, even for possible subsidies," explained the First Deputy Mayor of Vélez.

Thus, the president of the Commonwealth of Axarquía, Jorge Martín, stated: "It is a very interesting plan, which we are supporting and trying to promote, first in Torre del Mar and then in other municipalities. We hope it will be realized sooner rather than later, although for now we have to wait."