Estepona Waterways Cleared to Prevent Floods and Fires

Ongoing work to clear over 50 urban river and stream beds across Estepona aims to prevent flooding and reduce fire risks for residents

Residents and property owners in Estepona will benefit from an extensive programme of clearing work currently underway in over 50 urban river and stream beds. The initiative by Estepona Town Hall is designed to prevent potential flooding and reduce the risk of wildfires in residential areas.

These interventions aim to remove obstacles that could impede the normal drainage of rivers and streams. By clearing these channels, the Town Hall seeks to prevent blockages that might lead to flooding during heavy rainfall. The work also helps to prevent forest fires that could endanger residents and the natural heritage of the municipality.

Key Areas of Work

The clearing operations, which will continue until the first quarter of 2027, are focused on numerous locations. These include Arroyo Judío and the upper crossings of camino la Alberdina, next to the BP and downstream of the A-7 (Padrón beach area). Work is also taking place at Arroyo el Taraje (upstream and downstream of Avenida de las Palmeras), Hornacino de Levante (roadsides above and below Avenida Litoral), and Hornacino de Poniente (upstream and downstream of Avenida del Carmen).

Further interventions are being carried out at Arroyo Pantoja and its tributary, Arroyo Dos Hermanas (upstream and downstream of the A-7), Arroyo Las Abejeras, and Arroyo La Galera (downstream of the A-7). Other locations include Arroyo Marimacho (upstream of the junction with camino Los Molinos), Arroyo Victoria (upstream of the junction with camino Los Molinos), and Río Padrón (in the zona fuente cursito, Huertas del Padrón, and zona charca la Extranjera areas).

Río Guadalobón is also being addressed, specifically upstream of the A-7 at its four concrete crossings, and at its junctions with carretera de Casares and camino Los Polvitos. Work is also scheduled for Arroyo la Miel at its junction with carretera de Casares, and at paso de Cantarrana (on both sides of the upper crossing).

Other areas receiving attention include Arroyo Vaquero, Arroyo Enmedio, Arroyo El Saladillo, Arroyo Dos Hermanas, Cañada Ortega (south of the A-7), Río La Cala, Río Monterroso, several sections of Río Velerín Alto, Arroyo los Polvitos, Arroyo Las Cañas, and Arroyo Antón.

The Town Hall will also intervene in other areas where cleaning needs may arise as the campaign progresses.

Ongoing Work and Responsibilities

In addition to these urban areas, work will be carried out in approximately 30 river and stream crossings upstream and downstream of the municipal boundary. It is important to note that Estepona Town Hall is only responsible for clearing channels located in urban zones. The maintenance of waterways in other areas of the municipal boundary falls under the jurisdiction of the Junta de Andalucía.

Estepona Town Hall asks residents in the affected areas to pay attention to signage while the work is being carried out.

These clearing and pruning tasks resumed after the summer season. The Junta de Andalucía advises against working on river and stream banks from spring and throughout summer (March to July-August) to respect the nesting periods of protected species. For this reason, all work currently being carried out has the necessary authorisations from the Consejería de Sostenibilidad y Medio Ambiente.