One of Algeciras’ most popular beaches has come under scrutiny after a sewage spill was detected near the Rincomar residential area on El Rinconcillo beach.
The Junta de Andalucia has backed a complaint filed by the PSOE in December and has urged the city council to take urgent action to clean up the affected area.
According to laboratory tests carried out after residents raised the alarm in November, the water and sand contain high levels of bacteria including E. coli, coliforms and Clostridium perfringens.
Local Socialist spokesperson Rocio Arrabal presented the findings at a press conference, warning that the contamination could pose a risk to public health.
She accused the city council, led by mayor Jose Ignacio Landaluce, of failing to act quickly enough despite being aware of the problem for months.
Arrabal suggested the spill may be linked to poor maintenance and underinvestment in the city’s sewage system.
The Junta has now opened an investigation and will carry out further tests on the water and sand.
Authorities have also asked the council to take corrective measures to prevent further contamination.
If new spills are detected, residents have been advised to report them and contact emergency services so environmental protocols can be activated.
The contamination has also been linked to the appearance of green algae or cyanobacteria on the sand, believed to be fuelled by phosphates and nitrates from wastewater.
Opposition councillors have criticised the mayor’s response, accusing him of focusing on political disputes instead of addressing the environmental problem.
The PSOE says it will continue monitoring the situation while pushing for a long-delayed regeneration project for the Rinconcillo beach and nearby Palmones marshes.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
