The Costs of the Tajo-Segura Transfer Cut in Alicante Province: 1,700 Jobs and 61 Million in Losses

New exploitation rules for the Tajo-Segura transfer will reduce the available irrigation water in Alicante province by no less than 40%, leading to economic consequences for the agri-food sector: the loss of 1,700 jobs and approximately 61 million euros in fruit and vegetable production costs.

The figures were presented at the Provincial Water Commission held this Friday at the Alicante Provincial Council to assess the proposed modification of the Tajo-Segura transfer exploitation rules. "We are facing an emergency situation that requires a response," stated the Vice President of the Provincial Council and Head of the Water Cycle, Ana Serna.

In light of this situation, she ventured that "the Alicante Provincial Council will support all social and legal measures undertaken in defense of what is rightfully ours."

As a possible alternative, the route of the connection between the Torrevieja desalination plant and Ojós (Murcia) was studied, a connection that has generated "concern" in the Technical Commission "due to its potential impact on protected areas such as the Sierra de Escalona."

Regarding this work, the director of the Commission, Professor Joaquín Melgarejo, stated that the connection requires "a rigorous project and should be completed by 2027." This is impossible because there is no State Budget "to know how and when these works will be paid for," warned the expert.

Additionally, the 'Zero Discharge' project could also substitute part of the transfer water that will be lost, especially for the Left Bank Levante Irrigation area, potentially reaching 16 hm3.