The Regional Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Carmen Crespo, has announced that the third Andalusian Drought Decree will include the execution of the second phase of the Almanzora Valley supply project, in the province of Almeria. Crespo explained that an investment of 1.3 million euros will be contemplated to act «in the area with the greatest difficulties in the Alto Almanzora» and has opted to carry out the works «quickly» to offer aid to «the municipalities most affected in the area by the drought».
The head of Water pointed out that «the Andalusian Government has already promoted two Drought Decrees, which bring together actions valued at 141 million euros and which are currently at 72%», and expressed her hope that, when it reaches the Andalusian Parliament in April, the text will have «the support of all the political groups».
As Crespo recalled, the first phase of the emergency works to improve the water supply guarantee for the municipalities of the Almanzora Valley, inaugurated in January 2023 and which have involved a public investment of around 6.8 million euros, are already in operation. In this regard, the Regional Minister stressed that the work of this «emblematic action» was carried out «with great urgency» to «help the municipalities and guarantee water to Andalusians».
The project to improve the water supply to the Almanzora Valley opens up the possibility that, in the future, the 27 municipalities of the Almanzora will be able to benefit from the improvements. Initially, the approximately 18,000 residents of Albox and Olula del Río are the first to benefit from this action promoted by the Junta de Andalucía thanks to the commissioning of the improvement of the pumping systems of the El Saltador-Embalse de Cuevas pipeline and its connection with the Negratín-Almanzora water transfer to raise 1.3 hm³ of water to the Tíjola reservoir number four. Carmen Crespo praised this work as «an example of water solidarity between the people of Almeria» because it will make it possible for «water to be distributed among all the municipalities that need it».
With regard to the water policy being developed by the Andalusian government, the councillor assured her intention that «while the drought continues, we will be working and united» to face this particularly complicated time.
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