- Orihuela and the Confederación Hidrográfica del Segura (CHS) sign a 4-year agreement worth €800,000 for maintenance of the Segura River’s urban and peri-urban areas.
- The City Council will finance 60% (€480,000) and CHS 40% (€320,000) of the total investment, averaging €200,000 annually.
- Key interventions include clearing river obstructions, vegetation control, erosion stabilization, and removal of obsolete infrastructure.
- CHS will oversee project execution and quality control, while Orihuela will maintain infrastructures post-completion.
- Discussions held regarding the transfer of the “carretera de los tubos” road management to Orihuela’s local government.
- The Tabala Dam project advances with the draft plan completed and under technical review,aiming to mitigate flood risks.
- CHS will study proposals to expand hydrological monitoring points (SAIH) to improve flood control in the municipality.
Orihuela and CHS Commit €800,000 to Safeguard Segura River
The city of Orihuela has taken a significant step towards preserving the health and safety of the Segura river with a new agreement signed on September 11, 2025, alongside the Confederación Hidrográfica del Segura (CHS). The pact aims to invest a total of €800,000 over the next four years to clean and maintain the river stretches within the urban and peri-urban areas under Orihuela’s jurisdiction.
Mario Urrea,President of CHS,and Orihuela Mayor Pepe Vegara formalized the collaboration,wich strikes a balance between state and local administration funding. The local government will cover 60% (€480,000) of the cost while CHS finances the remaining 40% (€320,000). This ensures a stable, well-planned approach to vital environmental work on the Segura River.
Core River Maintenance and Conservation Actions
This strategic deal will address environmental challenges associated with the river, including threats from flooding, droughts, and ecosystem imbalance. The planned maintenance activities include:
- Removal of debris and obstacles blocking the river flow.
- Pruning and clearing of riparian vegetation to facilitate water movement.
- Restoration of deteriorated riverbanks.
- Stabilization in erosion-prone zones.
- Elimination of outdated infrastructure harming river continuity.
- Rehabilitation of ancient meanders to improve flow.
- Control and management of invasive species affecting biodiversity.
These efforts contribute to maintaining the hydraulic public domain, improving the overall quality of water bodies and reducing vulnerability to extreme weather events.
Coordinated Duty and oversight
| Role | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| CHS | Execution of works, supervision, quality control, use of own resources or external contractors. |
| orihuela City Council | Financial contribution (60%), providing land for interventions, post-project infrastructure maintenance, participation in monitoring commission. |
A mixed supervision commission with representatives from both administrations will monitor the compliance and progress of the project, ensuring transparency and coordination.
Additional Discussions: “Carretera de los Tubos” Transfer and Tabala Dam Project
Alongside the agreement, both parties discussed handing over the management of the “carretera de los tubos” - a key road segment – to Orihuela’s City Council. The transfer would include responsibility for upkeep, provided CHS personnel retain access required for hydraulic infrastructure maintenance. Technical teams will explore the best legal framework for the transfer, perhaps involving other municipal stakeholders.
Another significant item on the agenda was the progress of the Tabala Dam project, a critical flood-control infrastructure long demanded by the community following the devastating floods caused by a DANA (depression isolated from atmospheric currents) event in September 2019. The CHS confirmed the preliminary design has been drafted and is currently undergoing review by technical experts. The project will soon enter a public consultation phase to gather community input before moving forward.
In addition, Orihuela requested CHS expand the Automatic Hydrological Information System (SAIH) by installing new monitoring points in strategic locations to better predict flood events. The CHS is considering this request to strengthen its network,which currently monitors over 300 locations.
Recent Related Agreements in Vega Baja Region
This Orihuela initiative follows similar agreements signed earlier in August with other municipalities in the Vega Baja area, including Benijófar and Formentera del Segura. Those pacts focus on maintaining the public hydraulic domain to protect water masses and mitigate natural risks, ensuring regional environmental resilience.
Conclusion
The €800,000 investment agreement between Orihuela and the Confederación Hidrográfica del Segura marks a positive and proactive response to safeguarding the Segura River’s health and preparedness against natural disasters. By fostering cooperation between local and state administrations, the project looks set to deliver ample environmental benefits while protecting residents from floods and drought challenges.
This collaboration also represents a model for other municipalities aiming to preserve their watercourses through coordinated funding, expert supervision, and community involvement.