The Spanish environment ministry has mooted the possible construction of an East-West water transfer system, which would flow water across the Mediterranean region of Murcia from the middle course of the River Tagus and the basin of the Segura.
Murcia is the second most important fresh produce growing region in Spain, producing more than 1.5 million tonnes a year and exporting more than 50 per cent of that volume. Practically the whole production area depends on irrigation, but until to now, central government - which has decision power on natural resources - has preferred the construction of desalination plants on the coast to water transfer systems. The regional authorities of Murcia, however, have supported the transference of water as a cheaper solution, albeit difficult due to political opposition from supplying regions.
The latest move, on October 23, marks an abrupt change in central government thinking and will be widely welcomed by the Murcian horticultural community, which has continually called for a positive response to its water shortage issues.
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