The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Ramón Fernández-Pacheco Monterreal, along with the president of the Diputación de Almería, José Antonio García Alcaina, and the mayor of Alhama de Almería, Cristóbal Rodríguez López, presided over the inauguration of the town's new Wastewater Treatment Plant (EDAR). The event was also attended by the territorial delegate for the area in Almería, Antonio Mena, and included a detailed technical explanation by the Delegation's Water Coordinator, Carlos López Cañavate.
This project, part of a historic agreement signed in March 2023, puts an end to uncontrolled discharges that occurred after the main collector was damaged by the 2009 flood. A new 9-kilometer collector and a nearly 10-kilometer pipeline have been installed to ensure the sanitation of wastewater in the municipalities of the region located between Rágol and Terque.
The president of the Diputación highlighted the project as an example of institutional collaboration between the Diputación, the Junta de Andalucía, and the town councils, promoting hydraulic infrastructure to improve citizens' lives. "It is a clear commitment to sustainability, the circular economy, and the future of our small towns," he stated, thanking the support for the recovery of the Andarax river.
Minister Ramón Fernández-Pacheco described the action as a "historic milestone" for the Alpujarra almeriense, benefiting nearly 8,000 residents from twelve municipalities and fulfilling the Andalusian Government's "unequivocal commitment" to essential hydraulic infrastructure.
Mayor Cristóbal Rodríguez likened the new EDAR to "going from an old car to a Ferrari," reflecting the significant leap in quality for the twelve municipalities served. He thanked the Junta de Andalucía for the impetus and investment, and the Diputación Provincial de Almería for its future management through the public company Galasa.
The total investment for the EDAR and its collector system amounts to 6.8 million euros, fully financed by the Junta de Andalucía. The new system will serve over 8,400 inhabitants across 12 municipalities: Alboloduy, Alhabia, Alhama de Almería, Alicun, Alsodux, Bentarique, Huécija, Íllar, Instinción, Rágol, Santa Cruz de Marchena, and Terque.
Under the 8-year agreement, the Diputación de Almería, through Galasa, will be responsible for the commissioning, operation, and maintenance of the facilities. To support the local councils, the Diputación will not charge any fees until the end of the year, covering an investment exceeding 300,000 euros.
