Gibraltar – Development Angers Ecologists

The Government of Gibraltar signed in January of last year an agreement to develop a commercial zone on its eastern beach. The project is valued at more than a billion pounds sterling and includes the construction of 2,200 apartments, underground parking, a sports port with 300 moorings, a four star hotel with 300 rooms plus commercial and businesses premises. In addition there is to be a new electricity generating station, pumping station and water distribution network.

Whilst this spells good news for Gibraltar it has provoked much concern amongst the ecologist group Verdemar. It is unhappy about the continuing process of the filling in of the eastern zone of the Rock to create the platform on which the tourism development will be built. Verdemar spokesperson, Antonio Muñoz, has pointed out that the work is advancing at a fast pace and once completed its effects will be irreversible. He believes the development will damage La Línea's Levante beach and is angry that the Spanish government is acting in a "passive" manner towards the scheme.