How many people does it take to paint a single fence?

JIMENA This photo was sent in by a friend with the following comment: "Passing the school, just thought this was quite funny. How many people does it take to paint a single fence? Apparently a lot... A very expensive fence if you ask me..." Indeed it is, but what is not evident is that all these employment scheme/training school people belong to a welding class. They made the fence - and quite a few more around the village - so now they are painting it. Naturally, the story doesn't end there. They are each earning around €1,000 per month>>>

Old school is being restored for use as civic centre and residents' association meeting place

(Press release) The old rural school at the entrance to Marchenilla, near Jimena, is under restoration thanks to a Plan E 2010 scheme, acording to Fernando Gómez, Councillor for Public Works. Neglected for years and close to complete ruin, the building will now be energy self-sufficient thanks in good part to the installation of solar panels. The work, according to a large sign (photo), is being carried out by local builder Diego Gómez García, who, aside from his regular employees, has taken on four unemployed local men. Used as a rural school many years, it will now be available as a civic centre and is to be used by the Marchenilla residents' association according to their needs.

Calle Sevilla works start on Monday

The Council has announced that work on Jimena's main street, Calle Sevilla, is to start next Monday, May 17th. As JimenaPulse told you here, the work is extensive and not only on the main street but also Calle Romo. These being the village's main arteries, traffic and access is likely to be affected considerably. However, the work is essential to replace ancient, deteriorated pipes for sewage and water supply and will be carried out in phases. The image shows the scheduled phases (click to enlarge), and detailed traffic instructions for Phase 1 are below. We will keep you informed, so watch this space.>

Collado meets with Public Works head

Mayor Pascual Collado met yesterday morning in Cádiz with the Provincial Delegate for the Junta's Public Works Department, Pablo Lorenzo, to review work being carried by the department in the municipality. The agenda included the situation of illegal building in Tesorillo, the public housing project at Corral de Concejo  in Jimena (see photo for site), the 'normalization' of building at El Chorro, also in Jimena, as well as aspects regarding certain modifications of the Subsidiary Regulations that need to be adapted to the new Urban Planning Law of Andalucía. The Mayor also asked about ongoing procedures to widen the A-2102 road that links Tesorillo with San Enrique de Guadiaro, for which land expropriation is necessary. Collado also presented the changes made to a public housing project in San Pablo that was approved recently by the Council.

Town Hall to get a lift

Jimena's Town Hall is soon to be fitted with a lift so that people with reduced mobility can access the top floors, according to Public Works Councillor Fernando Gómez. The entrance to the building will also be updated for the same purpose. The town hall is an old building and has never been renovated to meet present standards and regulations and it has sometimes been necessary for the Mayor, councillors or staff to hold meetings with residents in the central patio downstairs. Tenders for the work, financed by a grant from the Junta de Andalucía, are being received at present.

Sevilla, Yustos and Sol to have drainage and water supply renovated

Three of Jimena's principal streets will soon be undergoing renovation of the village's drainage and water supply systems, according to the Mancomunidad's vice-president for Wate Policy, Fernando Gómez. The work on Sevilla, Yustos and Sol is to be carried out by Arcgisa and is financed by the canon we pay on our water bills (check them to see). Meetings are scheduled next week with Arcgisa, town hall technicians and the local police aimed at deciding th best way to avoid as many traffic and parking problems as possible. The most awkward of the three streets is Sevilla, which is the main artery.