The Government Delegate, Aránzazu Martín, took part in the commemorative event for World Water Day organised by the Huércal Overa Town Council and the Almería Irrigation Federation (FERAL).
A day in which the water situation in the province was analysed under the slogan «The importance of water, water is life, take care of it».
Martín pointed out that the Andalusian Regional Government has been proactive in the face of this problem and has mobilised 180 million euros in water policies and «today more than 90% of this public work is being carried out, which translates into 178 million euros. But we cannot tackle this situation of structural drought on our own, which is why we have turned to the Spanish Government».
The Government delegate recalled that they have requested co-governance from the State to decide the destination of the Next Generation funds. «It is necessary to subsidise desalinated water, not only for irrigation, but also for municipalities that use it as a basis for supply. A dual electricity tariff for irrigation is essential, so that our irrigators can save up to 20% on their bills. Another of the demands made to the Spanish Government is the VAT rebate on inputs and tax deductions.
The Mayor of Huércal-Overa, Domingo Fernández, explained that «here today we are demanding and looking for solutions to the latest cuts that are giving rise to so many demonstrations from the Levante to Almería due to political decisions, demonstrations that are being held to find a solution to this difficult situation that our farmers and ultimately our region are going through». Fernández concluded that «solutions are needed and we need to become a single voice».
The deputy for Development, Antonio J. Rodríguez, highlighted the importance of celebrating World Water Day, a vital resource which, as he pointed out, «Almeria is one of the places in the world where it is used in the most efficient and sustainable way to transform it into health that is exported all over the world. We cannot give up any water source, they are all compatible to ensure that the province is consolidated as an agricultural engine at international level».
The president of FERAL, José Antonio Fernández, highlighted in his speech the important work being carried out by the Andalusian Regional Government in terms of water. Fernández highlighted «the importance of water for a province like Almería, which uses it to live and to eat. Fernández explained that not all the irrigation communities in the province have quality water to obtain the highest yield per square metre and that we have to work to ensure that this situation is the same in all the communities in Almeria».
