Authorities in Torrox have cleared an illegal settlement under the Rio Gui bridge for the second time this summer. This action follows rising river levels that threatened the lives of approximately ten residents.
A regional crackdown targeting 20 occupied sites
The municipality of Torrox is currently managing a recurring crisis involving unauthorized settlements along its local waterways. As reported by the source, local police were forced to dismantle a camp situated under a bridge spanning the Rio Gui river for a second time this summer.
This specific intervention was driven by immediate environmental dangers rather than just property disputes. The report says that rising water levels in the Rio Gui river created an urgent safety risk for the approximately ten individuals sheltering at the site.
The Torrox eviction is part of a much larger enforcement trend sweeping the Costa del Sol. Regional data indicates that local police have closed a total of twenty occupied buildings and informal settlements during the current summer season.
The province of Malaga is witnessing a significant volume of these unauthorized occupations. According to the report, the province records roughly 450 illegal occupations every year, reflecting a systemic issue across the region.
The Rio Gui riverbed's rising flood threat
Environmental hazards forced the return of law enforcement to the riverbed location. While the initial eviction occurred in July, the subsequent rise in water levels made the bridge site too precarious for continued habitation.
Police operations at the site focused on removing hazardous materials and temporary structures.. During the most recent clearance, authorities removed mattresses, accumulated rubbish, and various temporary shelters to ensure the area was left safe and clear.
Mayor Oscar Medina's stance on riverbeed settlements
Torrox Mayor Oscar Medina has taken a firm public stance against the normalization of these living conditions. Medina emphasized that the municipal government must protect private property rights while ensuring that people are not left sleeping in riverbeds or near highly flammable materials.
Other specific locations have also been subject to police action due to similar safety and fire concerns. Authorities have cleared settlements in Punta del Faro, Calle Carlos Cano, and Calle Baja to mitigate risks to the public and ensure coexistence in shared spaces.
Where will the displaced residents of Torrox find shelter?
The issue of illegal occupation extends beyond the Costa del Sol to other Spanish regions. For instance, the report mentions a British couple from Kent who discovered squatters in their Menorca holiday villa after a three-month absence. This incident , involving an unfamiliar alarm system and missing furniture, illlustrates the diverse ways unauthorized occupation manifests in the country.
While the police successfully cleared the Rio Gui site, the long-term outcome for those involved remains uncertain. The source does not mention if the ten individuals were transferred to social housing or if they were simply moved elsewhere. Additionally, it is unclear if the municipal government of Torrox has a specific plan to prevent the camp from reforming in the same location.
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