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Built in 2020 as a tribute to the General Air Academy pilots who lost their lives during training the previous year, the Plaza del Galúa viewpoint quickly became one of the most iconic landmarks in La Manga del Mar Menor.

 

Perched above the Mediterranean, the site draws visitors with its breathtaking sunsets and sweeping sea views. But now, just five years after its grand opening, the Cartagena City Council has been forced to allocate nearly €46,000 for urgent repair works due to structural deterioration.

 

The original project cost €786,772 and was co-financed by European Regional Development Funds along with the regional government. Over time, the railings have suffered extensive corrosion caused by constant exposure to sea salt, leaving the structure visibly deteriorated and raising safety concerns.

 

What’s worse, it seems that the wrong material was used for the viewpoint in the very beginning, so this additional expense could easily have been avoided.

 

Last month, independent councillor María Dolores Ruiz presented a motion urging immediate action. She stressed the "manifest danger posed by the so-called Mirador del Galúa" and called on the council to comply with the environmental, landscape and architectural protection requirements laid out in regional planning legislation.

 

The political group MC has also raised repeated concerns about the safety of the viewpoint. As recently as last summer, they warned that the area had "damaged and rusty fences, posing a significant danger to people."

 

In response, Coastal Councillor Gonzalo López Pretel announced that the deteriorating railings would be replaced with wooden ones, specially treated to resist damage from sea air.

 

Although the work was originally set to be awarded on June 1, the contract was finalised ahead of schedule this week. The company Equipamientos Deportivos will carry out the job at a cost of €45,811.04 including taxes. They will have one month to complete the repairs.

 

In addition to the repairs at the Galúa viewpoint, Cartagena City Council is looking to improve nearby infrastructure. One project involves installing lighting along the pedestrian walkway between Playa Honda and the Villas Caravaning campsite. This contract has an estimated value of €51,380.42 and must be completed within three months. Bids for the project are open until May 30.

 

The Department of Infrastructure has also launched a tender for the repair of railings in public streets, parks and municipal gardens. This contract starts with a budget of €28,000 and will be valid for one year or until the funds are used.

 

 

Image: Ayuntamiento de Cartagena