Mijas deploys drone cleaning trial on key public buildings to boost safety and efficiency

Mijas has launched a pilot scheme using drone technology to clean hard-to-reach sections of council buildings. Work has begun focusing on the glass lift in Mijas Pueblo and the side facade of the town hall as part of upgrades under the new public buildings cleaning contract.

This approach modernises local services by bringing in advanced tools already adopted by forward-looking administrations elsewhere in Spain. Goals centre on delivering greater efficiency, stronger protection for staff and superior upkeep of council properties. The pueblo blanco is meant to stay ‘blanco’ is the message from the council.

New contract expands cleaning capabilities

New terms and conditions in the cleaning agreement introduce tasks rarely performed before, including exterior treatment of large glazed areas and other hard-to-reach zones. Officials behind the contract sought the strongest available technology and resources to raise standards for residents. Success in the current trial could see the method rolled out across further municipal sites.

Safety measures and operational setup

Strict protocols support the operation, especially in terms of public safety. Authorisation for drone flight was achieved, the surrounding area cordoned off and a lifeline installed in line with current rules for urban work of this kind.

Clece, the firm awarded the contract, favours the system as it gains in both speed and workplace safety. Group manager for Malaga Andrés Alarcón noted that drones reach places where conventional methods demand elaborate rope access or scaffolding. “Drones complete the job faster and more efficiently while cutting risks for teams by limiting height work whenever possible,” he said.

How the drone system works

A drone linked to a filtered water supply removes limestone and prevents marks on glass. Depending on the dirt present, the unit can use cold or hot water plus specialised detergents to get a high-quality finish.

Path toward wider adoption

Results from the pilot will guide decisions on applying the same technique to other buildings that share similar features. The move is about bettering the council’s commitment to public services that grow more modern, efficient and aligned with technological progress.