Details of spending are now revealed

THE Junta has earmarked cash for Almeria’s agrifoods sector, motorways and infrastructure in next year’s Budget. Carmen Ortiz, who heads the regional government’s department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development and Sonia Ferrer, the Junta’s delegate to Almeria, have now revealed details of spending.

Agriculture and the Environment will receive approximately €90 million of the province’s €290 million allocation. Funds will also be assigned to the Almanzora motorway, widening the Vera- Garrucha road and constructing the Roquetas bypass. Almeria University will receive around €80 million although the 2016 Budget does not foresee restarting work on the Materno-Infantil Hospital in the Torrecardenas complex. The regional government is hoping for European Union funds for the halted project but Ferrer hinted that the project could be reactivated next year.

The regional delegate was more forthcoming about the Casa del Mar health centre in Almeria City. Progress is being made on drafting the project although city hall will need a plenary session’s approval before negotiating funding with the Junta’s Health department.