Andalusian Water Councilor Assures Marbella’s Tourism Sector Amid Drought
Carmen Crespo, the Councilor for Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development of the Andalusian Government, conveyed a message of reassurance to Marbella’s tourism sector on Wednesday. She assured that all possible measures are being taken to alleviate the drought situation in the province of Malaga, which she referred to as “ground zero”.
Addressing Water Shortage Issues
Crespo participated in the monthly lunch of the CIT Marbella Tourism Initiatives Center, where she highlighted the initiatives that the Andalusian Government is implementing to address the severe water shortage problem. While she did not provide any new information, she reiterated her commitment to ensuring water supply to the population and mitigating the effects of drought on productive sectors.
Investments in Water Management
The councilor stated that they have €1.5 billion in water-related projects underway, with 1,097 works in progress. She also mentioned that the IV Drought Decree adds €517.8 million, solely for drought actions, having already made 252 cubic hectometers of new water available to Andalusia.
Addressing Malaga’s Drought Situation
Crespo pointed out that the province of Malaga is the “ground zero” of the drought and where the “most important needs” exist. Therefore, they plan to supply an additional 52 cubic hectometers of water through the works contemplated in the IV Drought Decree.
Water Revolution in the Province
She stated that a “water revolution” is taking place in the province, making it the first territory in Andalusia with regenerated water for irrigation, already having 22.5 cubic hectometers available to farmers. Among the various works being carried out, she mentioned the Marbella desalination plant to improve the supply from 6 to 12 cubic hectometers, which is intended to be expanded to 20 hm3.
Improving Water Availability
Crespo noted that this is a facility that “has been underutilized for three decades at 30% of its treatment capacity”. She also mentioned other ongoing actions to increase the availability of drinking water, including at the Río Verde Drinking Water Treatment Plant (ETAP) in Marbella.
Preparing for the Worst Drought Scenario
“The IV Drought Decree also prepares Andalusia for the worst possible drought scenario, enabling intakes at the ports of Malaga, Algeciras, and Carboneras to allow the arrival of water transport ships,” she added.
Weekly Meetings with the Secretary of State for the Environment
Finally, she explained that they have agreed to “hold a weekly meeting with the Secretary of State for the Environment to continue advancing and unblocking hydraulic works that are of vital importance for our autonomous community”. Overall, her visit was marked by a propagandistic discourse, already known, and did not provide anything new.
Current Water Capacity
The Concepción reservoir is at 22.8% capacity, maintaining that level with the latest rains after having stopped the continuous decline.
