Following a winter marked by severe storms, Cádiz's beaches are on the cusp of the high season with a situation generating political debate. The local administration has been overwhelmed by the extent of damage and emergencies, particularly affecting the capital's coastline, where considerable work remained unfinished at the start of the pre-season.
Sand leveling and replenishment efforts, initially handled by the municipal company 'Cádiz 2000', have been supplemented by the Demarcación de Costas. However, the opposition criticizes the slow pace of preparation, pointing to sand accumulated by wind and a lack of cleaning in areas like Santa María del Mar beach as evidence of poor management.
“"It is incomprehensible that an essential service for the safety of beach users has not been put out to tender on time, especially when it should have been operational since Palm Sunday."
The absence of a public address system is one of the most alarming issues denounced by groups like Adelante Izquierda Gaditana and the PSOE. They criticize that the contract has not yet been awarded, despite this basic service being expected to be operational since the start of the pre-season. They recall that drownings occurred the previous year, heightening safety concerns.
“"We are in the fourth summer that Bruno García, as mayor, has managed the city's beaches, which is the last of this term, and the reality is that we do not recall a year in which preparations for all beach services have been so delayed."
The City Council has stated that the public address system's tender process faced issues but is in the final adjudication phase and is expected to be operational soon. Councilman José Carlos Teruel acknowledged it has been a difficult year due to the storms but highlighted the consistent work by 'Cádiz 2000' to maintain the beaches in the best possible condition.
Waste collection and cleaning, including tons of invasive seaweed like Rugulopteryx okamurae, are another source of complaints. The opposition criticizes a 'great neglect' and accuses the local government of focusing more on 'showcase politics' than daily management. Nevertheless, the Council claims to have increased cleaning staff by ten people and extended service module hours to 9 PM.
Lifeguard services at Santa María del Mar beach have been reinforced since the pre-season began, with a specific unit at the northern jetty. Additionally, facilities at Torregorda's dog beach have been improved, and three amphibious wheelchairs for people with some mobility will be incorporated. Councilman Teruel emphasized that, despite the harsh winter, the beaches are in 'very good condition' thanks to the staff's efforts.
