- The Popular Party (PP) of Torrevieja plans to present a motion opposing a new desalination plant in the city.
- Torrevieja already hosts Europe’s largest desalination plant,which is set to increase output to 120 hm³ annually.
- Concerns include urban conflicts with essential developments like the hospital and cemetery expansion.
- The PP demands the government halt the new plant plan and complete long-delayed local infrastructure projects.
- The motion will be forwarded to multiple government and environmental agencies for action.
Torrevieja’s Popular Party Challenges Proposal for New Desalination Plant
Torrevieja’s Popular Party (PP) is making waves by officially opposing the construction of a new desalination plant in the city.With a planned capacity of 100 hectometers cubic (hm³), the proposed facility has sparked debate regarding its necessity and impact on urban development and local resources.
Background: The Current desalination Capacity
Torrevieja is already home to what is currently the largest desalination plant in Europe. This plant’s annual water production is set to increase from 80 hm³ to 120 hm³, raising questions about the need for another facility with a near-equivalent capacity.
Rosario Martínez Chazarra, spokesperson for the PP in Torrevieja, expressed that the city does not need a second desalination plant, stating:
“Torrevieja already has Europe’s largest desalination plant, soon reaching 120 hm³ per year, so a second plant is unnecessary.”
Political and Urban Development Concerns
The announcement of the new desalination plant project was initially made by Francisco Lucas, General Secretary of the PSOE in the Murcia Region, confirmed later by Diana Morant, Minister of the Spanish Government and PSPV General Secretary.
The PP is particularly concerned about the proposed location of the new plant in Torrevieja, emphasizing its limited suitability. They argue that placing the plant could clash with priority urban projects such as:
- Expansion of the University Hospital of Torrevieja
- Extension of the municipal cemetery
These developments are crucial to the city’s growth and public service needs, making the introduction of additional industrial infrastructure highly controversial.
PP’s Motion and Demands
During the upcoming City Council session, the PP will present a motion demanding:
- The central government abandon plans for a second desalination plant in Torrevieja.
- An immediate completion of long-stalled works on the Dique de Poniente promenade, halted for over 15 years.
- The initiation of never-tendered restoration plans affecting local neighborhoods like El Acequión and the pathways of Los Náufragos and Lo Ferrís.
This motion will be formally forwarded to:
- Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge
- Government Delegation in the Valencian Community
- Confederation of the Segura River Basin
- Acuamed (public water management company)
- Conselleria of Environment, Infrastructure, and Territory
Local Reaction and Broader Context
Martínez chazarra described the proposal for a new desalination plant as “another misstep by the government of pedro Sánchez,” linking it to other contentious issues such as:
- delays in the duplication of the N-332 highway variant
- Plans to establish a migrant reception center within the city center
Her statements reflect a broader political sentiment within local opposition, emphasizing the need for prioritizing urban well-being and infrastructure completion over new large-scale projects.
Table: Comparison of Torrevieja’s Desalination Plants
| Feature | Existing Plant | Proposed New Plant |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Capacity | 80-120 hm³ (expansion ongoing) | 100 hm³ |
| Current Status | Operational, expanding | Planned, pending approval |
| Potential Urban Impact | Established facility | Possible interference with hospital & cemetery expansions |
| Political Support | Supported by regional government | Opposed by Torrevieja’s PP |
Conclusion
The debate over a new desalination plant in Torrevieja highlights an meaningful crossroads between enhancing resource management and preserving essential urban development projects. The Popular Party’s opposition underscores concerns about redundant infrastructure and urban planning priorities.
As the motion proceeds to various government bodies, the future of water infrastructure in Torrevieja remains a hot topic balancing environmental, political, and community needs.
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