Spain to Demolish Deteriorating Clock Tower on Disputed Al Hoceima Rock

The Spanish Ministry of Defense has given the green light for the demolition of the tower on the rock of Al Hoceima, the sovereignty of which Morocco claims, as well as Vélez de la Gomera and the Chafarinas Islands. The objective of the project is to avoid security problems resulting from the poor condition of the infrastructure affected by humidity, Vozpópuli reports.

The department led by Margarita Robles has already published the call for tenders for the recruitment of the company that will carry out the work. The infrastructure will be completely demolished because it is in danger of collapse and risks affecting the safety of people, the army explains, stressing that the building is in an advanced state of deterioration, with leaks in the plumbing.

The total cost of the work is 240,797 euros, all taxes included, and must be carried out within a maximum period of six months. In the coming months, Al Hoceima will lose its usual silhouette with the demolition of the clock tower. The rock of Al Hoceima has a population of more than 300 inhabitants. A few months ago, the army of Melilla transferred the remains of the bodies of soldiers buried in a cemetery on the islet to another in Melilla.